5 Family Mission Trips for Spiritual Growth & Bonding

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The common image of a missionary is an individual or couple packing up and heading to a foreign land for a lifetime of service. And while that's true in many cases, it's not the only way to do missions. For example, family mission trips are one great way for parents and kids to bond with each and gain a greater appreciation for God's work around the world.

If you've never considered taking a family mission trip, now might be the perfect time to see what's available. Missionary opportunities for families are growing as sending agencies to recognize the potential of equipping entire households to experience the power of missions together. The chance for you to share those experiences on a family mission trip has never been better.

 

Why Go on a Family Mission Trip?

Some benefits of family mission trips are easy to see. In addition to helping fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), you are creating memories with family members that will last a lifetime. Family vacations are great for a week or so, but family mission trips can resonate into eternity.

A family mission trip could also spark a passion for missions. Going on mission trips and seeing work on the field tends to inspire even more involvement. For example, your child might begin to hear God's call to missions thanks to a family mission trip.

In addition, family missions can tear down walls. In a world divided by so many things, exposing family members to other cultures, languages, and lifestyles can help them see the world through God's eyes. It encourages them to develop a heart for all people—regardless of their differences.

 

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

–Matthew 28:18-20

 

Where Do We Start?

The best place to start discussing missionary opportunities for families is within your family. Talk with your kids about the importance of missions. Use the internet or information from your denomination's mission organization to share what God is doing worldwide. Spend time praying for missionaries in various parts of the world.

From there, look into organizations that sponsor family mission trips. Your denominational sending agency might be able to connect you with a great organization, but some groups specialize in planning overseas trips for individuals and families. You can find a list of possible partners at sites like the one provided by Medical Missions.

In addition, some sending organizations provide missionary opportunities for families. In the list below, we've identified five groups that offer family mission trips or could tailor a trip for your family. These are not the only groups out there, but they are proven and reliable. 

 

1. World Missions Alliance

This group offers family mission trips ranging from 7-10 days. Of course, the length of the trip and the number of family members involved will affect the overall cost you'll need to raise. These primarily cover expenses on the ground, such as hotels, transportation, interpreters, etc. They will help you with travel arrangements to the site, but additional costs like airfare and travel documents will likely need to be covered by your family.

 

2. e3 Legacy

The goal of the e3 partnership network is to make sure churches are easily accessible to anyone who needs one. To that end, e3 works in more than 90 countries across six continents. The network's Legacy program focuses on providing intergenerational opportunities for believers, including families interested in going on a mission trip together. The primary focus in 2023 is the South American nation of Colombia.

 

3. Bold Hope

The mission of Bold Hope is to live up to its name by providing hope to individuals around the world. Bold Hope sponsors specific mission trips for families as part of its work. By working through its partnerships worldwide, Bold Hope offers mission opportunities that can involve every family member. Currently listed trips include Latin America, the Caribbean, and the African nation of Zimbabwe.

 

4. Mission Discovery

Of course, family mission trips don't have to mean going to the nations. There are plenty of missionary opportunities for families much closer to home. If you'd be more comfortable working within the United States, Mission Discovery might be for you. While Mission Discovery does offer family trips to Mexico and the Caribbean, it also provides several opportunities in the U.S. Some are rural, and some are urban; but they all offer families a variety of ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

 

5. World Gospel Outreach

The focus of World Gospel Outreach (WGO) is making a difference in the lives of believers by giving them opportunities to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of "the least of these." Founded in 1984, WGO focuses its work on Latin America, especially Honduras and Belize. While the WGO site does not refer specifically to family mission trips, it could provide missionary opportunities for families through its SERVE teams.

 

Pray. Give. Go

When it comes to family missions, you've got three options. First, you can pray. As mentioned earlier, it's easy to find the names of missionaries all over the world and to pray for them as a family. 

The second option is to give. Even if you're not ready to go yet, you can financially support other individuals and families on the field. Whether you want to help career missionaries or short-term missionaries, their sending agencies can give you the details for making that happen.

Finally, you can go. As you can see, the opportunities are there if you believe God is moving you in that direction. You just need to take the first step in the journey.

None of these options is better than the others. Each of them is necessary for taking the gospel to the world and making disciples for God's kingdom. As you and your family seek ways to be more involved, you can be sure that God will lead you to the best fit for His glory.

 

 

More About Medical Missions

Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the proper mission for you.

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