Specialized Training for Short-Term Missions

What we offer:

  • Holistic Training

    Adequately preparing for missions service requires the whole head, heart and body. Our training is designed to get each participant ready for their trip intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. Your group will learn a theological framework for mission, but also explore topics of culture and poverty to equip them to serve with love and empathy.

  • Learning Through All Stages

    Our courses are designed to build upon each previous lesson for integrated learning. We provide guides for facilitators to have further discussion in-person, after students complete work independently. Additionally, utilize our hold-in-your-hand resources that correspond to the training content designed to be used pre-trip, on-site, and post-trip.

  • Preparation for Every Day

    Short-term mission trips can often be seen as a one-time experience. We believe that when done well, they can actually be a catalyst for learning how to live on mission every day. That's why our curriculum continually comes back to the idea of being an everyday missionary—not just on the upcoming trip but when participants return home to their communities and churches.

  • Certificates of Achievement

    By completing a certain number of courses, you can allow your trip participants to receive certification to participate in future mission experiences provided by your church—ensuring they have a foundational base of knowledge and skills for future endeavors. Additionally, raise up experienced guides for your short-term missions who can complete our Team Leader Certification course.

  • 30+ Years of Experience

    We've held the roles of goer, host and sender—so our curriculum reflects the needs and values of all participants in a short-term mission trip experience. As we consistently adapt our training to the changing face of missions, your group will be ahead of the curve employing the best practices in short-term missions for today's globalized world.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do you offer in-person training for groups?

    We offer in-person training for short-term mission trips through Touch the World. Currently this training is held in a 3-day retreat format at The Mission Center in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania. If you are serving in the Northeast or NYC, add on these three days prior to your trip! We are only 1.5 hours away from NYC. For more information on in-person training, contact Tim Dedrick at [email protected].

  • How does online training for groups work?

    We suggest: 1. Enroll your trip participants in the desired courses and have them move through the training at their own pace. 2. Provide deadlines for certain courses so that they can be discussed and debriefed in person at pre-trip meetings throughout the year. 3. Group Coordinators or Trip Leaders will receive a facilitation guide to help you lead discussion in-person or virtually with your group to help reinforce their individual learning.

  • What age groups is this training good for?

    While our content is specifically curated to be relevant for high school and college students, our training courses are applicable and beneficial for short-term mission participants of any age.

  • Are there certain courses you recommend for a short-term mission trip?

    Our Masterclass: Foundational Concepts for Missions Engagement is a great starting point if you were training up a group in their first missions experience. This 8 week course will provide the basic understanding of the Biblical Foundation for Mission, as well as explore the purpose of Short-term missions, basics of culture and poverty to help without hurting. Masterclass: The Essentials for Pre-Trip Missions Training is our flagship 8-week course; this is based off Touch the World's curriculum used in in-person training and includes what we believe are the most crucial components of understanding before going out on a short-term mission trip. A hold-in-hand Field Guide, devotional journal and Re-Entry journal are add-ons that complement and can be used in conjunction with this particular Masterclass. Either of these Masterclasses would be our first point of direction for training your course depending on the group's previous experience.

  • Can I customize training courses for my group?

    Yes! Contact us to create a custom package for your group, highlighting the courses you specifically think your group will most benefit from.

TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL

We wholeheartedly believe that short-term mission trips can be done well. But without training, they will likely cause more harm than good. That's why we want to make training your entire group accessible and affordable, because the stakes are too high to let you serve without it.

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Types of Courses Offered

Accredited Member of MissionExcellence

Touch the World is an accredited member of MissionExcellence. Our training curriculum has undergone peer review for the highest level of excellence in short-term missions.
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Groups and Churches that Utilize Our Training

What others are saying...

"More than just pre-trip training..."

Trevor N., Pastor of Discipleship

Having participated in and led more than a dozen short term missions trips, I am more confident than ever that proper training is essential. And in my opinion, The Missions Academy offers an unprecedented caliber of training in a way that students can easily understand and process. The Missions Academy is way more than pre-trip training. It is an invaluable tool for discipleship that is effectively equipping students to engage with the Mission of God in their everyday lives long after the trip is over.

Tailored for your group

Whether you're looking for a full suite of pre-trip training essentials or need to supplement your existing training, we are here to help.

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