Thank you for your interest in joining in a short-term missions trip. The purpose of this application is to introduce you to the commitments involved in going on a mission trip and to help determine if you’re ready to make such a commitment.
Why should you go on a short-term mission trip (STMT)? A STMT is like a double-sided coin: God works in you and through you. Your missions experience should work to make a lasting difference in the lives of the people you serve, wherever that is. At the same time, God wants to make a difference in your life. He wants to grow you to be more like Christ, give you a greater heart for the lost peoples of the world, and develop your ministry skills. So, while changing the world, expect God to change you!
Participating in a STMT at Heritage involves four distinct phases. Please review the following four phases to make sure that you’re prepared to make such a big commitment.
Phase 1. The Application Process
There are qualifications that must be met in order to join a mission team. One common misconception is that STMTs are a great place to reform someone who has fallen away from the Lord. On the contrary, our STMTs are designed for those walking with the Lord who want to take a step of faith in serving God more. In order to qualify to participate on a STMT with Heritage you must:
- Demonstrate by your lifestyle a commitment to the Lord through personal holiness and evidenced by the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
- Demonstrate by your lifestyle a commitment to the church by regular church attendance (for at least 6 months) and participation in a small group and/or serving in a ministry.
- Be at least 14 years old. If you are a parent of a child younger than 14 and would like him/her to accompany you, you must ask your team leader.
- Complete the application below and submit it to your team leader.
Phase 2. Team Preparation
- Preparation is necessary for a STMT, so all members must commit to the following:
- Attend all team meetings; participate and open yourself up to the team.
- Be willing to head up projects assigned to you, involve yourself in activities, share your testimony, evangelize, etc.
- Pay for your trip. If you are approved, the church will pay 20% of your cost, up to a maximum of $400. You will be required to provide the remainder either from personal savings or fundraising. We provide fundraising training and support to help you. Remember, where God guides, He provides.
- Your team will be asked to develop and sign a team covenant. Abiding by this covenant is essential as it incorporates the attitudes, motives, and goals necessary to serve God and others. Think prayerfully about what God expects of you and commit yourself to doing just that!
Phase 3. The Trip
This can be a life-changing experience that God can use for His glory, and transform you more into His image! However, STMTs by their nature involve many risks to personal health and safety. While we depend upon God for our protection and try to use good judgment on our trips, great risks are inevitable. By submitting this application you accept these risks.
Phase 4. Re-Entry
Understand that many people who participate in STMTs struggle when they return home. Some who have come home from missions trips have felt depressed, backslidden into sin, or left the church. Sounds serious, huh? It is! However, this doesn’t have to be you. We have worked hard to design a program to stop this problem. However, for it to work, you need to commit to it. When you return from your trip your participation on the team is not complete. You are expected to fulfill several requirements that will be given to you during the re-entry phase, which include:
- Follow-up team meetings
- Serve in a church ministry for 6 months, beginning immediately upon your return
- Have daily quiet times with the Lord.
- Be accountable to one other teammate.
- Report on the trip to the congregation and to supporters. This trip is an investment by the church family into your life. God and the church will be excited to see a return on the investment placed in you. Remember, to whom much is given, much is required.
So, if you’re willing to lay your life down as a servant of the Lord, complete the following application and give it to your team leader.