In this episode Dorothy, Justin, and Terrence dive into how youth ministries and their churches may strive for long-term missions partnerships that may provide students the exposure and opportunity to share the gospel of Christ, locally and globally.
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[0:33] Introductions: Dorothy Lau, Justin Wong, Terrence Shay
[5:59] What We Mean by Missional Partnerships
Terrence establishes that we’re called to make disciples in a missional manner. Justin expounds that they can exist in multiple spheres–physical and digital.
[9:03] Outreach + Missions in the Youth Calendar
Dorothy and Justin note the balance of outreach with hospitality amid youth-calendaring and seasonal emphases.
[14:28] Existing, Missional Partnerships in Your Contexts
Justin advocates for understanding your church’s history of missions and ministry partnerships and evaluating students’ readiness of continuing in the same missions endeavors or pivoting to something different. Plus, assess your city and the needs ‘in your own backyards.’ Terrence highlights how essential it is to instill a desire within and equip students to be sent for missions in the future.
[22:45] Understand + Minister to Your City for A Long-Term View
Justin cites how local partnerships can be more challenging because of greater accountability and follow-up. Terrence proposes that students can reframe the activities in which they’re already involved so that it aligns with sharing the gospel and disciple-making.
[30:28] Where Should I Start…?
Terrence advises to check where denominational opportunities (where applicable) may exist and re-establishes that mission trips are not for the purpose of internal outreach. Justin urges hearers to ask church leaders ‘What are the needs? What can we do to bless [this group] for [this amount of time]?’ Undeniably, mission trips are for the purpose of sharing the gospel purposefully, meaningfully.
[36:42] Closing: Final Word of Encouragement
Dorothy advises to get in-touch with your church’s point of contact in missions to share the load of organizing a mission trip. Justin comments to be mindful in relationships as one grows in those friendships with pastors, missionaries, and colleagues beyond. ‘The needs’ often come from personal relationships. Terrence exhorts to take ownership of and advantage of opportunities to pour into students, parents, and partners and cherish the time spent in the sharing the gospel in a different context.