One of the many questions that we receive when groups are preparing to come is, “How do we prepare for our trip with MissionLab?” Here at Missionlab, we send materials that we hope will aid our teams in their preparation to serve with us. But there are a few things that we would recommend for groups going on any mission trip. They are:

  1. Pray

That may seem like an obvious answer, but it is one that is often overlooked and makes all the difference on the trip. Begin by praying that God will lead the right people to sign up to go on the trip. Pray that God will prepare their hearts and attitudes to serve Him; at home and on the trip. Then, pray for the ministry sites where your team will be serving. Prayerfully consider which types of ministry God is leading your team to serve in. Next, for those serving with MissionLab pray that our staff would place you in the right ministry locations for you to honor God and see Him move. If you are serving in another location, pray for your partners to make the best plans for your team to honor God. Then, pray that God would lead throughout the planning process and during your mission trip because it will make all the difference for your trip. Lastly, pray for the people your team will come into contact with and that the Holy Spirit would provide divine encounters that will help your team grow as they minister.

  1. Prepare Yourself

As the leader of the trip, a lot of details will fall on you. Take some time to prepare yourself spiritually and mentally. Take extra time to spend in the Word with God, allowing Him to prepare you to lead your team. Preparing you spiritually for any of the spiritual warfare that you may face while you are on a mission trip. Next, take note of how sensitive you are to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is pivotal that you allow Him to lead you as you serve. Finally, spend some time looking over the material and planning done for the trip so that you are prepared. If you are coming to serve with MissionLab please look over all of the material that we send you; making sure you know the due dates of what needs to be turned in and what you need to bring with you. If you can’t find the answer in the material we send to you, give us a call or email and we will be happy to help so that you are fully prepared for your trip. Again, take the time to make sure you are prepared for the trip both spiritually and mentally.

  1. Communicate

Communication is a key component in making sure your trip goes smoothly. Make sure that you are communicating well with your team. Clearly and effectively communicate all details to your students, sponsors, and parents so that everyone is on the same page. Make sure that you are communicating any changes that have been made to your trip with the MissionLab staff or those that you will be serving with. If you are serving with MissionLab, we work hard to try and communicate everything you need to know for your trip, but if you have questions or concerns, please let us know before coming so we can answer them for you.

  1. Set Expectations High

Mission trips aren’t easy trips. The days are typically long and in a lot of places like New Orleans, they are hot. Set expectations and requirements for your group early on in the planning and preparations phase of your trip. Set training times that you require your team to be a part of. Encourage scripture memorization and quiet time expectations for your team. Many people enjoy a challenge and being held accountable for a commitment that they make in preparation for a trip is a good start to preparing your team.

  1. Enlist Support

Enlist support not just from your team and their families, but from your whole church. Ask your church to support the team by praying for them before the trip and while they are gone. Start a prayer chain and have someone from your church commit to praying for your team every day you are away. Enlist financial support for some that may want to go on the trip but can’t afford to. Have a time of commissioning at your church, where members can pray for the team before they leave on the trip. Then, after the trip set aside more time for the team to share with the church all that God did in and through your team.

Mission trips are never easy, but with a little preparation, they can be life-changing.

If you are looking for a life-changing, hands-on missions experience for your students, adults, or families, prayerfully consider coming to serve with MissionLab here in New Orleans. For more information, email us at [email protected] or call us at 1-877-TRY-MLAB.