Mobilizing Your Students on Mission Trips

We all know the Great Commission is a clear call for us to "go and make disciples of all nations...". As you do that, one way to consider your strategy is having an Acts 1:8 Mission Plan in your ministry.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8

Let's look at this verse as a "Three Targeted Missions Plan"

First, we see they are sent out to Jerusalem (local). This would be considered your town, your zip code or where you call home. We should be engaging our community with the gospel on a local level.

Second, we see the call to go to Judea and Samaria (domestic). This would be going to places not within your city limits, but instead other cities or even states in the US. Mobilize your students to go and serve and advance the gospel in places that don't look like their community.

Third, we see the phrase "to the ends of the earth" (global) which we can interpret to mean having a global missions plan. We think about sharing the gospel not just within our town, our state, or our country, but to every country in the world. Currently the United Nations recognizes 193 countries around the globe. The truth is, Jesus wants all of them to know and worship His name. That will only happen if we go gand share of the great and glorious news of the gospel. As a part of your strategy, make sure your students can serve in an international context before they leave your ministry.

Teenagers can change the world. Here are some other thoughts to consider as you develop your missions plan:

Lead your students to GET the gospel and then GIVE the gospel away, locally, domestically and internationally. Help them to understsand when they show up, the Kingdom of God shows up.

Spurgeon once said, "Every Christian is a missionary or an imposter." This is a good reminder for all of us. If we are Christ-followers, we have been given a commission to share the gospel.

Get teenagers out of their "norm" and encourage them to be fully committed to God. Then watch and be utterly amazed at what happens in their lives and the lives of others. The magic of a mission trp is often no more than focus, but when we focus and ask God to work in us and through us, watch out!