Mission & PurposeMissions

Short-term missions:how to start

A short-term mission can be your first step into serving God in another culture. Here is a practical guide to starting well and getting the most out of it.

By the YWAM Cáceres team

To start with short-term missions, three steps matter most: pray and talk to your church, choose a trustworthy organisation that works with local churches, and prepare with humility before you go. A short trip will not change the world in a few weeks, but it can change the way you see God, the nations and your own calling.

What is a short-term mission?

A short-term mission is a season of mission service with a set length: anything from a few weeks to a few months. It might mean supporting a local church, taking part in evangelism, serving in relief projects, teaching, doing practical work or sharing your faith through the arts.

It does not replace the long-term work of the churches and missionaries who live in that place. Its value lies in serving alongside them, learning from them and, often, finding out whether God is calling you to something more.

So why go on one? Here are some good reasons:

• To test your calling. It is a concrete way to discern whether God is calling you to missions, without making a lifelong decision yet.
• To grow in faith. Leaving what is familiar pushes you to depend on God, pray more and trust him.
• To widen your vision. Seeing God at work in another culture helps you understand his heart for every nation.
• To bless others. Your service, however small it seems, can encourage churches and workers who have been serving faithfully for years.

Step 1: pray and seek advice

Before you look at destinations, look at your heart. Ask God why you want to go and what he wants to do in you and through you. Talk to your pastor or leaders: they know you, they can pray with you, and often the church will want to be involved in sending and supporting you.

Remember that in Acts 13 the church in Antioch prayed and fasted before sending out Barnabas and Saul. Mission is born in community.

Step 2: choose carefully where and who to go with

Not all experiences are the same. When choosing, ask a few questions: does the organisation work hand in hand with local churches? Does it offer training before you go? Is there support during the trip? Is it clear what is expected of you and what it will cost?

Be wary of offers that promise spectacular results in a few days, or that focus more on the traveller's experience than on the local people. A good short-term mission is humble: it learns, serves and strengthens what is already there.

Step 3: prepare before you go

Preparation makes a huge difference. A few things to think about:

• Spiritually. Build the habit of praying, reading the Bible and listening to God. On the field, that will keep you going.
• Culturally. Learn about the history, customs and faith of the place. If you can, pick up a few phrases of the language.
• Practically. Check your passport, paperwork, insurance and vaccinations in good time. The organisation should guide you on the requirements.
• Financially. Draw up a budget. Many people are supported by their church, family or friends, who also become prayer partners.

In Philippians 2:3-4 Paul writes that we should do nothing out of selfish ambition or vanity, but humbly value others and look to their interests. It is a good attitude for any mission.

Steps 4 and 5: go with an open heart, come home well

Once you are there, things will not always go the way you expected. There will be tiredness, cultural differences and moments of frustration. That is part of the learning. Listen more than you speak, serve wherever you are needed, and let God surprise you in the small things.

Coming home matters as much as going. Take time to process what you lived, share it with your church and those who supported you, and ask God what comes next. Many people discover their long-term calling right after a short experience.

One way to start: short-term missions in Spain

If Europe is on your heart, at YWAM Cáceres we run Immersion 90, a 90-day programme in Cáceres for Christians with a calling or an interest in missions in Spain and Europe. You live the everyday life of a mission base, take part in the ministries, learn Spanish, get to know the country's culture and history, and connect with local churches.

If you are also looking for more complete training, the DTS includes three months of lectures and two months of outreach with a team.