There is nothing short term about Short-Term Missions (STMs).

The primary objectives of the short-term mission movement include a desire to raise the next generation of missionaries, create opportunities for more involvement of the local church, and raise more financial and prayer support. As time and culture have evolved, so has the short-term mission movement.

Key Factors

Three key factors that should be part of all STM excursions: I will respect the customs/practices of my host culture I will respect the leadership of the host culture I will not judge that which I do not understand

The first step in organizing and

One of these is, "Does anyone get to go?" Some enthusiasts would argue that spiritual commitment or spiritual maturity are not grounds for qualification, while others would argue their importance.

Other questions include: "What is it that we most want to accomplish?" "What type of changes do we want to see in the team upon their return home?" "In light of the type of mission, how do we want to prepare and train?" "How can we best partner with our International Workers and the national church to make our mission successful?" "What does a successful mission look like?"

There is a plethora of books and information on the internet that exists today on the 'how' and thankfully, more recently, books are being written on the 'why.' Materials can be found that deal with practicality, how to cost your short-term mission and how to lay out the day-to-day plans.

For those more inclined, there is also material that deals with the more theological and culturally sensitive side to the mission and finally, there exists an abundance of articles that deal with the spiritual transformation impact that happens as a result of the mission.

One of the most important works I would suggest a leader use to prepare is titled Serving with Eyes Wide Open. In this with Eyes Wide Open. In this book, David Livermore deals with the huge issue of CQ-Cultural Intelligence.

"Cultural Intelligence, or CQ, is an individual?s capability to function effectively across national, ethnic, and organizational cultures. Rather than expecting individuals to master all the norms of the various cultures encountered, Cultural Intelligence helps an individual develop an overall repertoire and perspective that results in more effective leadership.

"Cultural Intelligence is both an ability and an overall model for thinking about cross-cultural leadership. It?s rooted in the research on multiple intelligences and includes four dimensions?Motivational CQ, Cognitive CQ, Metacognitive CQ, and Behavioral CQ. These dimensions can be thought of as a 4-step cycle you walk through when faced with any cross-cultural situation (CQ Drive, Knowledge, Strategy, and Action)."

For many, a short-term mission may be a fun opportunity to serve. This is great! We are seeing more families give up vacation time to do missions together. Again, this is wonderful! One caution we do need to be aware of, is that all short-term missions, no matter what they involve, are about advancing the Kingdom.

When we become active about Kingdom advancement, we enter the realm of spiritual battle or spiritual warfare. Every team, no matter what their mission or age, should understand the essence of the battle and how to be prepared.