Making a Difference in a Globalized World: Short-term Missions that Work

Every year, an estimated 1.6 million Americans participate in short-term mission trips, spending over one billion dollars—figures that have increased exponentially in the last two decades. About one third of U.S. congregations sponsor such trips each year. While they are referred to as “mission” trips, many trips focus not on conversion or evangelism, but on service projects—building a playground, providing medical care, or serving free meals to the poor. Short-term mission participants hav...