Behind the shed. That's where deep conversations happened between me and my early-teenage sons. If a tricky situation came up, or a new direction had to be set, we'd talk about it behind the shed
It is that time of year when youth leaders start planning for next summer, and a big part of the summer is often some sort of short-term outreach or service project. Show of hands – how many of you participated in a mission trip of some kind when you were a teenager?
FYI... our shed backed up to an acre of field, so it really wasn't such a bad venue. So now - I'd like you to step behind the shed with me so we can chat about short-term missions. And not the nitty gritty detail stuff (that will come in future weeks)... but the big picture, why-we-do-it discussion.
It is that time of year when youth leaders start planning for next summer, and a big part of the summer is often some sort of short-term outreach or service project. Show of hands - how many of you participated in a mission trip of some kind when you were a teenager? And how many have helped to lead a mission trip as youthworkers? It's too bad we don't have a global webcam, because you'd see a lot of people raising their hands.
A big question that's asked over and over is:
Are these trips worth it? While my overarching answer is "Yes!" the practical answer is that it depends on what you - the youth leader - make of it. Short-term mission trips can be powerful life-changing experiences that are part of a wider youth ministry vision - or they can be expensive versions of a typical youth trip that kids might or might not enjoy.
So what is the behind-the-shed vision for youth missions? Done well, it is the premier way to deepen kids' relationship with Jesus, show them that they can make a difference in the world, and propel them into a Jesus-centered lifestyle. A beefy vision statement like that one takes some work, of course. It requires removing from any mission trip the idea that it is an isolated event. A week-long service trip in July starts back in September, not just with logistical planning, but with spiritual planning as well. That involves assessing where your kids are at, setting specific goals, and creating spiritual roadmap that will take you all the way through the trip - and right into discovering where God will take you on your next mission adventure.
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