Short-Term Missions - FAQs

  1. How do I apply for a short term missions trip?
    1. Apply online at http://www.redeemer.com/serve/missions/
  2. Do I need to be a member or regular attendee of Redeemer?
    1. No, but if the trip has too many applicants, preference will be given to members and regular attendees.
  3. Do I need to have any previous missions experience?
    1. No. You do not have to have any previous experience. Some trips require specific skills or professional knowledge (e.g. jazz muscians or medical background). Other than that these trips are open to anyone who would like to apply.
  4. What do you do on a missions trip?
    1. Each trip is different so you will need to contact the missions coordinator to find out the specifics. Generally we seek to serve church plants around the world.  This could involve using your God-given skills (e.g. using your finance background to lead seminars for business men and women; doctors practicing medicine) or a variety of other activities like teaching English classes, serving at an orphanage, leading a Vacation Bible School (VBS), meeting new people and talking to them about their faith, etc.
  5. What kind of preparation is provided?
    1. Team preparation takes place over at least five weekly meetings leading up to the trip (potentially more depending on the nature of the trip). We cover topics such as support raising, sharing our testimony, and cross-cultural training. Attendance is required in order to build team unity and receive the necessary material prior to your trip. Team members are expected to be active participants on fundraising events, team socials and prayer meetings.  The team can also take part in a group service project through Hope for New York prior to departure. Only a small minority of Redeemer members and attendees are able to go on missions trips each year. The nature of the work makes it a huge privilege to participate in. If you cannot make the commitment of attending the preparation sessions, we ask that you apply again another year.
  6. How do I pay for the trip?
    1. Each team member has the opportunity to raise his or her own financial support in order to go on a short-term missions trip. While this task may seem daunting, it is a unique opportunity to see God provide in ways that will strengthen the faith of those going on the trip. Each person will be thoroughly equipped and prepared in how to raise support. This is typically done through writing letters, asking people to contribute toward the trip, or through corporate matching gifts. 
  7. How is the cost determined?
    1. Each team budget can contain 30 or more major expense categories. Some of these include: airfare; vehicle rental and gasoline; housing costs; food; faxes; shipping costs; visas and work permits; training materials and speakers; ministry materials for VBS, youth programs, sports evangelism, adult discipleship, construction materials; and much more. Every effort is made to minimize costs without jeopardizing the quality, effectiveness, or safety of the ministry.
  8. Is financial support available from the church?
    1. We have found that most of the time if prayer letters are sent out on schedule and at least 50 copies are mailed, all the funds come in.  The church does not provide finances to help cover the amount you have to raise for the trip.
  9. Are people's gifts tax-deductible?
    1. Yes.
  10. What if more money comes in for me than what I need?
    1. Throughout this ministry you will function as part of a team. Your effectiveness is determined not just from an individual standpoint, but also as a team. Also, each person's ability to raise funds varies depending on who they know, how many people they know, their ability to communicate effectively, etc. Therefore, since the goal is to fund the entire team, any monies given beyond what you will need will go to support other team members who are struggling with their funds.
  11. What if less money comes in for me?
    1. Sometimes God uses a serious lack of support as an indicator that a person should not go on a particular project. The guidelines we follow is that a participant must have 100% raised 30 days before departure. If this does not occur, please discuss it with your team leader and you will be given the option of paying the difference or postponing your involvement. As previously mentioned, any surplus funds raised by other team members will go to help support team members who are under-supported.
  12. If I decide to cancel my involvement in the trip can I get my money back?
    1. According to Redeemer's interpretation of the tax codes/laws, tax-deductible contributions are non-refundable. These funds will, however, stay in the short term missions fund and assist other Redeemer sponsored trips. If you cancel your involvement after travel documents are purchased (airfare, visas, etc.) you will be expected to cover all of the fees, penalties and loses incurred at that point.
  13. How many people will be on the short team missions team?
    1. Typically anywhere from five to 20 people participate.
  14. Will I need shots?
    1. Most of the places we go to do recommend immunizations. In some instances we may go to a country that "requires" immunization against a particular disease. If an immunization is required, you must have proof of that immunization to enter the country or to return to the United States. For the most up to date information on what is needed for the country you will visit contact Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) or a local travel clinic. Your team leader will provide this information as well.
  15. What is a visa?
    1. A visa is an entry requirement required by a foreign government in addition to your passport. Not all foreign governments require a visa. Your team leader will check the Foreign Entry Requirements for the country you plan to visit. A visa may be stamped on your passport or a paper visa may be affixed to your passport. If a visa is required, we'll provide the appropriate visa application forms for you to complete. Most visa applications require two-three passport-size photos as well. The visa fees for each team member is included in the team budget. [Note: if you are not a U.S. citizen, please make sure that the team leader and the Missions Department know this information. It may mean a different visa process for you.] If you do not have passport, we recommend that you begin the process immediately. Complete passport information can be found on http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html. Most countries require that travelers' passports not expire within six months of the end of travel. Please check your passport immediately. If it is set to expire within six months at the end of this trip, please begin the process to renew it now.
  16. What about travel insurance?
    1. Basic emergency medical evacuation/transportation; trip cancellation; lost baggage, accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included in the team budget.