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The Unexamined Trip: Checking Motives

Bob Lupton, Founder of FCS Urban Development in Atlanta has been critical of what he calls “Vacationaries” and “religious tourism.” In a recent article published here, he makes the following observation about short-term missions trips:

“But in fairness to our U.S. churches, many of our motives are noble. We want to excite our members about missions. We want to expose youth and adults to the needs of a hurting world. We want to engage our people in life-changing experiences.

“We desire to obey the teachings of Christ to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, show compassion to the oppressed and spread the Good News.

“But because we view missions through the lens of our church-that is, what will benefit our people the most, what will be most rewarding for us, what will appeal the most to our members-we neglect to consider what is in the best interests of those we would serve.”

And though, his criticisms can seem harsh and sweeping, they should at least cause us to pause and ask some questions:

  • Are we going to help our ministry or are we selflessly going to help others?
  • Is God calling us to this trip?
  • Are our motives pure?

Or are we going on trips to selflessly help others, and also know that when you selflessly serve others you are also changed.

If our students are supposed to learn how to listen to God and then follow Him during a mission trip, then, as youth leaders we should model that before we leave.

We should listen to God, and follow Him in where we go on trips and what we do during the trips.