In our last couple posts, we gave some questions to consider in determining the destinations for your mission trips. Of equal importance to where you will go is determining who you will work with on the field during your trip. Just because someone is in a leadership role, does not mean they are the best person with whom your team should work. Here are five things to consider when deciding who you will partner with on the field.
Motivation. As best you can determine, does the person desire to work with you because he or she shares your heart and vision? Are they willing to roll-up their sleeves and engage with you? Or are they looking for prestige, financial contributions, or for someone else to do all the work?
True Leader.Does the person have the authority to make decisions? Does he or she have other people that they can motivate to help with the outreach? Is the person an influencer?
 Availability. Is the person free to not only be there with you, but can they give the necessary preparation and follow-up time? Will they be available and accessible to your phone calls, email, etc. as you try to set up the trip?
Ability. Does the person have the administrative skills necessary to assist you? Do they communicate well? Is their health such that they can handle the demands? Do they demonstrate integrity?
Unity. Is this a person who can get along well with others? Are they involved with a church split, denominational infighting, or other arguments that would make it difficult for you to work with him or her? Doctrinally, are they similar enough to your organization’s beliefs where working together would not pose a problem for either of you? Is there agreement on the methodology your team will use?
The leaders you work with on the field can really make or break your mission trip. The right person can open new doors of ministry, make things go smoother, and set a very positive tone. The wrong person can add stress, increase your work load, and sour the taste of your trip participants for future ministry. Hopefully by evaluating potential field partners in light of these five areas, you will discover quality leadership that will add to the success of your next trip.