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Short-Term Missions
A longtime staple of church youth groups, short-term missions took off in the 1950s, when Youth With a Mission (Loren Cunningham) and Operation Mobilization (George Verwer) began sending young Christians around the world to build houses, minister to the needy, and share the gospel in unchurched communities. Trips lasting a few days to a few weeks give lay Christians a taste of the life of a missionary, without needing as much financial support or the blessing of a sending denomination. More recently, missiologists, pastors, and career missionaries have criticized STMs for blinding churches to the needs in their local community, their financial burden, and their reported ineffectiveness at creating lasting change abroad. Others defend STMs for encouraging young Christians’ faith and putting them in touch with fellow believers worldwide.
All Articles
Be Honest About Your Motives for Mission Trips
Short-term missions are complicated and often done poorly. But with wisdom and transparency, a medical missionary explains, they can be hugely helpful.
Mind the Power Gap in Missions
Western missionaries can make good partners if they avoid trampling on their majority world friends.
News
Died: Loren Cunningham, Who Launched Millions on Short-Term Missions
YWAM founder saw “waves” of young people carrying the gospel to every nation.
When Being Helped Hurts
My experience on the receiving end of a mission trip taught me you can’t force love on a community.
News
Died: Teen Missions Founder Bob Bland, Who Put Young Missionaries Through Boot Camp
With his Florida training program and international construction projects, he empowered young people who didn’t want to wait to do something for God.
Cover Story
Is Your Trip Tourism or Missions?
After years of debate, the line is blurrier than ever.
Look Outside America for Fresh Insight on American Evangelicals
Melani McAlister’s new history aims to capture what the familiar political story leaves out.
News
Nicaraguan Unrest Squashes Summer Missions
Church teams cancel trips as protests limit access and security.
Testimony
A Shoplifter’s Search for God
I equated material possessions with happiness, until a high-school mission trip changed my thinking.
Review
The Most Dangerous Thing About Being a Missionary in a Hostile Country
It all depends on how you understand ‘safety.’