Family-Friendly Mission Trips

Taking your family on a mission trip might seem challenging at times, but the experience can create lasting memories and help your children and teens discover ways to serve God and others. The most rewarding aspect of being together will be witnessing their growth in personal faith as they learn how to serve.

Participating in a family mission trip can foster a lifelong dedication to God’s vision for the nations and cultivate a heart for service within your own community when you return. Not to mention, it can positively strengthen your family unity.

Here are some ways to help you in choosing the best family oriented mission trips.

1. Find a family friendly mission group.

Did you know that hundreds of short-term teams allow or have even created trips entirely for families to serve on mission trips together? Try a search on MissionGuide.global. (This link refines the results by checking the box “Families” under “Group or Individual”). This limits your search to opportunities that allow the whole family to participate. By using the sidebar options, you can then narrow down choices based on other criteria such as dates, type of ministry, location, ages of participants, etc..

Below are just some of the groups that have partnered with MissionGuide that we recommend who offer mission trips specifically for families:

2. Explore whether you should join a trip already planned or create a more customized experience.

Many short-term mission programs and church-based teams are open to the idea of bringing your entire family along. They might see your family as adding maturity and stability to the team. However, it’s crucial to ask many questions, understand what to expect, and ensure it’s a suitable fit for you and your family. Unmet needs and unspoken expectations can lead to stress and conflict.

Here are a few great questions to ask the mission organization or church you go with:

  • Be sure to discuss any participant age limits.
  • Do they provide adequate accommodations for all in your family depending on how young your children are? 
  • What activities are available that are specifically tailored to different age groups for children?
  • Will there be scheduled times for rest or sightseeing?
  • Do they provide preparation, training or debriefing materials for families in helping their children process the trip?
  • What food options are available, and how are food allergies accommodated?
  • What safety measures and procedures do team leaders follow during the trip specifically concerning children?

Alternatively, consider taking your family on a mission trip independently from a larger team. While “going on your own” requires additional preparation, it also can offer more freedom and flexibility.

Why not contact a missionary family or ministry you know and ask if you can plan a visit? Spend time with them, serve and care for them, and learn to see life through their perspective. Be sure to seek to be an encouragement rather draining their efforts or resources by using this merely as a vacation. Plan ahead and ask what you can help with. You might assist with a project that needs your expertise or just lend a few extra hands where needed. Be generous to support them both spiritually and financially as the Lord leads you. With servant’s hearts and proper expectations, your visit can be a blessing to both your family and those you visit.

Considering going overseas long-term? A short-term family mission trip is a great way to test the waters. It offers experiences for you and your family beyond if you went alone.

As you look ahead, visit AskaMissionary.com for missionary answers to these and similar questions.

3. Learn from others how to prepare for a family mission trip. 

Whether you join a ministry that caters to families, integrate your family into an intergenerational mission team, or plan a mission trip independently, thorough preparation can help you thrive and make the most of your family mission experience. Going with your church or a trusted and experienced mission organization can provide the preparation and guidance you need.

A family mission trip is an opportunity for God to work not just during the mission trip, but throughout each members lives, fostering faith, commitment to the Great Commission, and a deeper spiritual purpose for your family that you will be sure to cherish.

Search for your Family trip now.

A few resources to help you:

Written by MissionGuide Staff.

Editor’s Note: See also Taking the Kids, and, from the International Mission Board, Family Mission Trips: Why You Should Take Your Kids Overseas from Go Serve Love blog, 8 Ways to Help Family Flourish Overseas and Youth Specialties blog, Four Principles for Creating Family Ministry Opportunities.

Did you find this article helpful? Any suggestions you’d add? Send us an email.

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