GUIDELINES FOR SHORT TERM MISSION TRIPS

Preamble

Short term mission trips are defined as trips made by individuals or groups to a place for a duration of up to two years.

Short term mission trips are organized and undertaken with a long term view and vision that is aligned with the stated vision subscribed by the Diocese for that period

When it is possible, short term mission should be used to augment and strengthen our long term mission work in the Province.

The purpose of short term mission trips is to

1       explore the possibility of setting up a long term work

2        once off trip more for the purpose of exposing members to mission

3        once off trip in response to a felt need such as disaster relief.

It is with the above in mind that the following policy is formulated.  

Mission Policy / Short Term

1.0               Parishes or groups planning to undertake short term mission trips must inform the Diocesan Mission Committee.

2.0               Short term mission trips should be undertaken for the following purpose:

A:   raising mission involvement among the participants

B:   raise mission awareness in the parish or mission district

C:   look into the possibility of starting a long term mission work

D:   encourage missionary in the field

E:   augment and supplement current mission work

F:   relief work in respond to disaster

3.0               Short term mission trip should be confined to countries where we already have a mission work or to countries in the Province.

4.0               Where short term mission trips are proposed to countries outside of the Province, prior permission should be obtained from the Diocesan Mission Committee.

5.0               Finance for short term mission trips is to be bourn by the organizer or promoter. The finance is usually through contribution by the participants.

6.0               Mission trips must defray their own cost and not burden the receiving church or organization.

7.0               A report on the mission trip is to be submitted to the Diocesan Mission Committee as soon as practical after the trip.

8.0               Priest and diocesan pastors involved in the mission trip must first obtain permission from the Bishop to under take the trip.

9.0               All participants for short term mission trips must be given appropriate cross cultural briefing.

10.0            Where ever possible, the mission trip is to be organized under the covering of a local church.

11.0            Mission trip leaders and members must heed the restriction and guidelines given by the local church so as not to aggravate the local situation or transgress sensitive taboos or issues which will set back the work of the gospel in that area.