1. Begin by prayerfully seeking God's leadership - or simply by being open to unexpected opportunities. For help, contact the Volunteers in Missions Department at the International Mission Board.
   
2. Let several - not just yourself - be involved in the initial discussion. Involve other leadership groups in the church in "concentric circles." Provide ample information to the church as they make a decision.
   
3. Involve a steering committee that will develop and carry out a plan for one or more mission trips. Appoint a team leader who has the authority to make decisions. (A better concept is a "leadership team" consisting of 3-4 veterans with one person ultimately in charge)
   
4. Get as much information as possible from the field – develop a leadership partner on the other end.
   
5. Develop a financial plan and necessary policies. Your mission team budget will consist of the following: Transportation + ground expenses + insurance + training expenses + materials. Sources of funds will include: Individual participants + fund raisers + free will offerings + budget funds. Half to two-thirds of the cost will be transportation. Develop a relationship with a travel agent who will find the bargains for you.
   
6. Begin building the team several months prior to the trip. Have an enlistment deadline. Schedule a "get acquainted" retreat. Publish a schedule of training sessions which will be expected of all participants.
   
7. Communicate frequently with missionaries
   
8. Conduct a number of training sessions (click here to go to list of training components)
   
9. Develop and practice a sound missiology. Click here to go to missiological principles
   
10. Work toward a spirit of unity on the team.
    
11. Have a commissioning service to allow the church to be partners with you.
    
12. When problems arise on the field, they should be dealt with immediately with the team leader and/or the missionary.
    
13. During the work itself, plan for emergencies: illness, injury, or the need for evacuation.
    
14. Lose yourself (but don't get lost). Don't be concerned about comfort, having fun, or other types of personal gain. Allow yourself to fall in love with the people there. It won't be hard.
    
15. Build in times for team sharing during the week
    
16. Allow the nationals to express gratitude and appreciation to you in their own way
    
17. Report back to the church
    
18. Before the memories of your experiences get too cold, evaluate. Determine what you have learned from the experience.

1. Personal spiritual preparation
2. Orientation to the country, language, and culture
3. The "history" of missions in the region where you will be serving.
4. Training - and practice - in evangelism.
5. Missiological principles
6. Dealing with obstacles, objections, and spiritual warfare.
7. Specific training related to the assignment
8. Travel arrangements, including how to plan for international travel so as to be as fresh as possible upon arraival
9. "Details," including daily schedule, plans for lodging and meals, handling money, and Q/A.
10. Specific behaviors, cultural norms
11. Prayer

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1. Strategy must always be field-driven, not volunteer-driven. They (the missionaries and/or national pastors) will direct your efforts, not the other way around.
2. Practice submission – to the missionary and to the national pastor. They will almost always know better than you. Even if they don't, submit anyway.
3. Focus on the task rather than your own desires. You're going to "give," not "get".
4. Keep personal relationships group oriented. Do not pair off with a member of the opposite sex unless its your marriage partner. Avoid "cliques"; be a united team.
5. Don't overestimate your importance to the process. You probably will not be there to "introduce" the gospel to your region. You will more likely be there to create interest or help to open previously closed doors.
6. Keep your methods and materials appropriate, simple, and reproducible by nationals.
7. Take time to learn the language and culture - and practice what you learn.
8. Be flexible. Things can change, and probably will.
9. Try to be as little a burden on the missionaries as possible. Don't have them running errands for you.
10. Remember: from the standpoint of many missionaries, it takes a very good volunteer to beat none at all.

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