Planting Seeds: The Curricular Hope of Short Term Mission Experiences in Youth Ministry

Abstract

This article presents research that examines the impact of short-term mission trips as an experiential curriculum in the lives of North American adolescent participants. Drawing from prominent experiential theories, the curricular structure of cross-cultural short-term mission trips is shown to be limited in its ability to transfer learning into the ongoing lives of the students. The author recommends continuing the educational components beyond a trip's conclusion so students can better integrate their learning. The study concludes that short-term mission needs to be situated as part of an overall emphasis, theologically and pedagogically, on service and mission within a youth ministry.