Re-Imagining Short-Term Missions
Engaging the Global Church in Collaborative Ministry
- Evangelism & Missions
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2022
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Publisher's Description
This book is for those who suspect that current practices of short-term missions are in need of serious reform. It is a book for those who recognize that, in this decade of global upheaval--and in light of the cultural, political, and demographic shifts affecting churches everywhere--now is the time for change. The essays here are intended to equip and inspire any who want to advocate for change but may not yet know what change looks like. This book offers honest perspectives from people who care about the purposes of short-term missions (STM) yet know that we must figure out better ways of achieving them. Nearly all contributors are actively engaged in STM--and many write from the perspective of those who host STM teams in places all over the world. This book is a platform for visionaries who are calling for better ways for the church to engage the needs of the world. In sharing their experiences, they hope to promote critical rethinking and creative reimagination about the ways that the global church might learn to collaborate on a new basis of coequality and mutual respect--for the good of the world and the glory of God.
Endorsements (12)
“This very honest book reflects well the views of those of us in Latin America who work with visiting teams. What a difference it would make if everyone believed (as these authors do) that the primary purpose of short-term missions is to foster relationships between brothers and sisters for the sake of a truly global church! This book casts a vision for a new way forward that is more contextually relevant, effective, and dignifying.”
“Once upon a time, a small American church decided that rather than spend thousands of dollars sending a team overseas, they would ask a young man from Africa to travel to them so they could help him get education. . . . When he returned to Burkina, he started a Christian school and a medical clinic. That young man was me—and I stand with these authors when they contend that with imagination and courage, we can discover better ways to love and serve the world.”
“From my experiences hosting short-term teams in Thailand, I can affirm the message of many of the authors in this book: if foreigners want to be part of impactful work that is sustainable for the long term, they must form authentic relationships with the local people and work alongside them as coequals. This book helps us to understand why this must become the new normal for short-term missions and shows us where to begin.”
“This book is a tremendous achievement. For decades, short-term missions have had a noteworthy impact on communities and ministry organizations around the world. Sometimes with great value and sometimes with disastrous outcomes, but usually somewhere in between. This work pulls together diverse voices with well-informed perspectives. . . . It will undoubtedly shape the vision and practice of STM for years to come! It is a must-read for anyone involved in overseas ministry.”
“Finally! A book that helpfully addresses the troublesome and critically important questions that surround short-term service projects. This is a must-read for anyone considering organizing a project. The diverse authors each bring vital insights. Not just an anti-STM, anti-neocolonialism rant, it provides pivotal insights for how to approach STM in ways by which everyone will benefit and the gospel of God’s grace will be honored.”
“I have a love-hate relationship with short-term mission trips that too often are more about collecting Instagram fodder than anything related to the kingdom of God. These essays offer insightful ways forward to something more beautiful—even while unapologetically naming the things that undermine the ways of Jesus. Here are some practical pathways to follow and practiced theological perspectives from a global community of voices that can help us reimagine the future.”
“Anything worth doing is worth doing well. Short-term missions have become a major part of local church ministry for years, but often with little evaluation and too little regard for those hosting them. This book offers helpful and hopeful content that not only recognizes key issues with STMs but also gives a litany of helpful counsel for future trips. This is a must-read book for anyone involved in the leadership of STMs.”
“As a Turkish national who has hosted short-term teams in Istanbul, I highly welcome and recommend this honest book. These essays explain some of the common mistakes that are made, but also provide balanced, seasoned wisdom for nurturing collaboration and mutual learning. I am certain that this book will be a blessing for all who want more holistic understanding that can only lead to better approaches to STM.”
“This book urges us to enter into short-term missions with a willingness to learn and defer. As a Black man, I resonate with this admonition, since I’ve often interacted with people who have presumed that they knew more about my communities than I did—even though they did not live with or look like the residents. While this book doesn’t attempt to address all of the problems with STM, I’m ordering it for all my staff!”
“Burns and Inslee packed a lot of wisdom into this book. As a trained missiologist, I urge you: don’t plan another trip until you and your team have studied this book together. It will make a world of difference for everyone involved.”
“The authors of this book not only explore the present status of STMs in a clear-eyed fashion but offer important ‘maps’ for developing new systems that will make the church stronger and more able to truly live as Christ followers in the present world. A must-read for Christian leaders from both sides of the economic and political divide!”
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