While it’s not the most fun subject to talk about, it’s a fact of doing missions. At some point on some trip, something unexpected will happen. You are going to have an emergency on your hands. It might not be as extreme as getting caught in the Haitian earthquake or being held up at gunpoint, but the odds are something will happen that’s out of your control. How the emergency affects your team and the focus of the trip will depend on your leadership. Leadership starts at home with trip preparation. There are a few basic travel essentials you should have in place...

Not all mission trips are created equal. Not all youth groups are the same. Picking the right trip for your group is a lot like finding the perfect pair of jeans (bear with me, guys). You may have to try on a dozen pairs before finding the one that fits. And if you just jump on board the first trip you find, you’re probably going to be the person at the party in the acid washed overalls–frustrated, shunned, and upset with yourself.   Okay, enough with the shopping metaphors.   The best strategy for finding the right mission trip for your group is to pick an organization...

I know some parents scare you. I’ve been in ministry for a while and I know some parents just can’t be pleased, can’t be satisfied, can’t be accommodated. Then, there are the parents you’d like to clone! Those who not only understand your ministry and heart, but cheer you on in your efforts. So, some of my suggestions below might frighten you. Think them through and see if these would be some items the LORD would have you do. Remember, you’re not made in my image, you’re made in the LORD’s image! One of the things I’ve done over the years...