On the table in front of you are two passports. The one on the left is creased, well worn, with lots of stamps inside. The other looks brand new, with just one stamp in it. The one on the left is yours—a telltale sign of a veteran mission trip leader. The one on the right belongs to that team member making her very first trip. Not only is her passport new, but everything is new to her. What can you do to help her have an outstanding experience? Here are a few tips to make the rookie’s trip smoother and more enjoyable.
First, divide pre-trip training information into three categories: Must Know, Should Know, and Good to Know. Rookies are often overwhelmed with information leading up to their first trip, and some find it difficult to process. By breaking your information into these categories you help pre-process the information for them. They can focus the bulk of their preparation time on the Must Know, some on the Should Know, and any extra time to review the Good to Know. Must Know includes things that are critical to fulfilling your mission as well as key logistical information such as travel itineraries and what to do in emergencies. Should Know includes background information on your ministry, general travel tips, and information specific to the location you are traveling, such as local customs and cultures. Good to Know contains country backgrounds, demographics, detailed religious beliefs of your focus population, and so on.
If your rookie is also a novice traveler, be sure to explain how to navigate passport controls, customs, airports, etc. Remember, just getting through airport security can be stressful! A few words of preparation can go a long way in calming nerves.
Another good idea is to ask a veteran team member to “buddy” up with the rookie to help him or her through the trip. This takes a lot of pressure off the team leader and allows him or her to maintain focus on the entire team and not just on managing one member.
Finally, be sure to communicate clearly and often with rookies. Check in frequently with them to see how they are doing and what concerns or questions they might have. Don’t assume that they know how to do certain things or how to act in certain situations. Coach them!
Do you have ideas or suggestions to help first-time mission trip participants? Share them at the discussion tab at Facebook.com/MinistryTravel or at the Ministry Travel group on LinkedIn.