10 Practices for Engaging Adult Leaders Going on the Mission Trip

1. PICK STRATEGICALLY.

If you are choosing from a large pool of potential leaders, critically think about whom you’ll ask. Consider what students are going and what leaders will best connect with those students.

2. LIMIT NUMBERS.

At YouthWorks, we ask senior high groups to bring one adult for every seven students and middle school groups to bring one adult for every five students. That’s because it’s a youth mission trip, and bringing too many adults changes the dynamic and minimizes opportunities for youth to step out in leadership. Pick adults who will be effective leaders, and gracefully limit your adult leader count.

3. PAY FOR LEADERS.

Paying for your leaders is one way to let them know they’re appreciated. Work the cost of adult leaders into students’ fundraising. That doesn’t mean adults shouldn’t contribute to fundraising efforts, but knowing they are worth paying for sends a positive message about the value you place on their leadership.

4. REQUIRE ATTENDANCE.

Just as youth need to be engaged in the trip beforehand, so do leaders. Require their attendance at mission trip team meetings – this will help them build relationships with students and share healthy expectations for the trip. Hold a couple adult leader meetings and hand out resources to read through. Being an effective adult leader requires preparation, and you can help your leaders prepare well by encouraging their presence.

5. SHARE RESPONSIBILITY.

The best way to get buy-in from your fellow leaders is to involve them in the planning process. Give away responsibility, even if it’s something as simple as printing maps for the route or helping at a fundraiser.

6. CAST VISION.

Missions is all about loving deeply, serving humbly, building relationships and learning from community you enter. Some adults will “get it” right away. Others will need some guidance. Walk with adults before the trip and paint a picture of what their role is.

7. COMMUNICATE DETAILS.

Don’t keep all the details to yourself. Tell other leaders what’s coming up so they can support you and share ownership of the trip.

8. OFFER ENCOURAGEMENT.

Pay close attention to leaders who are stepping out of their comfort zone with this experience. Uplift them with affirmation. You will strengthen your team and build their confidence.

9. SAY THANK YOU.

Don’t save all your gratitude for the end. Make sure to thank your volunteers often, privately and publicly. Great leaders are crucial to a great mission trip – let them hear that you know that. And when the trip is over, say thank you in a meaningful way.

10. INVITE CONTINUED INVOLVEMENT.

If you have leaders on the trip who are not already part of your ministry, consider whether they would make good additions to your team. Maybe the trip has ignited a passion for students. If it’s a good fit, invite their continued involvement in the student ministry.