See Big Growth in Students—The Power of Youth Mission Trips

I’ll never forget my first mission trip with teenagers. It was amazing. God used us. And much to my surprise, God worked on us and changed us, too. 

I was a seminary student, serving part-time as a youth minister at a church. Every year the church went to workcamp. They’d go different places, but it always involved serving others. 

So I eagerly went on our trip to Appalachia to work with one of our denominational ministry centers deep in the mountains. I figured at least to build relationships with my kids. And I knew we’d be able to do some good for the agency. 

We did do good for the agency, but God had much more in mind. God shaped us and brought us closer to God and each other in ways we’d never imagined before. We went to make a difference in the lives of others, but in the process God made a difference in us.  

I was unprepared for how powerful the experience would be. At the end of the trip, after we said our closing prayer at the church, and after everyone hugged and said goodbye, I got in my car. And I started to cry. I cried and cried…deep heavy sobs…and couldn’t stop. God had touched my life on that mission trip, and I’ll never be the same because of it.

Like you I’ve had all the schooling and training to lead ministry in the church. I desire to see people grow closer to God. I’ve preached sermons, taught Bible study classes, led retreats, and did all the things we do to bring people into a deeper relationship with God. 

But nothing—absolutely nothing—compares to the kind of growth that happens on mission trips. 

That first workcamp was seventeen years ago. Since that time I’ve gone on dozens of youth mission trips. And I see that same kind of growth every time. I now work full-time for Group Workcamps Foundation, providing mission trips for youth groups all over the country and beyond. I guess you can say I’m hooked! And if you’d like to see young people get what their faith is all about and grow in leaps and bounds, I’d strongly encourage you to get hooked on youth mission trips, too. 

Why are youth mission trips so valuable?

1. The program works. Imagine a teenage boy working in the hot sun for an old woman he’s never met before. He’s sweaty, sunburned, and tired as he repairs her steps. He’s miles away from his family, his video games, his computer, and his friends. And he likes it. He loves it. He learns first hand it really is better to give than receive. And by putting his fledgling faith in action, it clicks. 

2. Kids live out the Shema…the way God created us to live…loving God and loving neighbors (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). And as they do that, it dawns on them what following Jesus is all about. They go to work for others, and in the process they find God working on them. At our organization, we ask participants if they grew closer to God because of their service experience. Amazingly, over 90% report they do!

3. Relationships are built into the experience. At Group, we’ve learned people grow closer to God more through relationships than anything else. And on a mission trip relationships are the secret ingredient! You travel together in a van or a bus (or a plane!), live together in uncomfortable conditions, and work together to serve people in need. And it’s a blast! So many funny things happen, there are so many touching stories to tell afterwards, and so many memories are created…all of which bond your group together. And bond each of you closer to God as well. 

Teenagers’ hearts and lives are changed on mission trips. And if you want to see the youth in your church grow by leaps and bounds…take them on a mission trip. But be warned: you might get hooked, too!

Doc Newcomb is a pastor, youth pastor, and Program Manager for Group Workcamps Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides a variety of short-term mission opportunities for church youth groups.