I got to be a part of Mission Sunday yesterday. We did video testimonies from each of the 5 missions experiences our church had gone through (locally in Wadsworth, Iowa, New York City, Mexico and Kenya). I am convinced that 1-2 weeks in short term mission will have a greater impact than 52 Bible Studies, sermons or Sunday School classes.
But here's the thing...I am opposed to mission opportunities that do not lead to partnership. If we spend a week in Kenya and then don't ever do any other follow up/partnership, we move from a church in missions to a church who does a mission trip experience. That removes the lasting impact, the relational connectedness, and the bond of partnership and really makes it solely about the mission trip attendees.
Mission matters and a church moves toward the grave when they lose missions...or when missions becomes merely writing a couple checks a month.
PEOPLE ARE CHANGED WHEN THEY BECOME DOERS OF THE WORD RATHER THAN JUST HEARERS.
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