Making a Difference in a Globalized World

Short-term Missions that Work

Laurie A. Occhipinti - Foreword by Robert J. Priest

Every year, an estimated 1.6 million Americans participate in short-term mission trips, spending over one billion dollars—figures that have increased exponentially in the last two decades. About one third of U.S. congregations sponsor such trips each year. While they are referred to as “mission” trips, many trips focus not on conversion or evangelism, but on service projects—building a playground, providing medical care, or serving free meals to the poor. Short-term mission participants have a genuine desire to transform conditions of poverty, yet they don't always know how to go about it; many people involved in short-term mission work virtually reinvent the wheel when they design and plan their service projects.

Making a Difference in a Globalized World: Short-term Missions thatWork is a guide to leaders of such trips. The book presents clear insight and research from anthropologists and development professionals, and encourages individuals to lead mission trips that make a greater impact on the communities that they are serving.

The text provides:

a framework for planning short-term mission trips;
foundation for planning;
personal anecdotes and case studies;
and practical suggestions for volunteer opportunities.

This handbook is a vital resource for any potential mission volunteers or organizers.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers / Alban Books

Pages: 180 • Trim: 6⅜ x 9¼

978-1-56699-758-4 • Hardback • July 2014 • $60.00 • (£46.00)

978-1-56699-443-9 • Paperback • July 2014 • $32.00 • (£25.00)

978-1-56699-716-4 • eBook • July 2014 • $30.00 • (£25.00)

Subjects: Religion / Christian Ministry / Missions, Religion / Christian Living / Social Issues, Religion / Christian Living / Stewardship & Giving

Making a Difference in a Globalized World

Short-term Missions that Work

Hardback

Paperback

eBook

Summary

Every year, an estimated 1.6 million Americans participate in short-term mission trips, spending over one billion dollars—figures that have increased exponentially in the last two decades. About one third of U.S. congregations sponsor such trips each year. While they are referred to as “mission” trips, many trips focus not on conversion or evangelism, but on service projects—building a playground, providing medical care, or serving free meals to the poor. Short-term mission participants have a genuine desire to transform conditions of poverty, yet they don't always know how to go about it; many people involved in short-term mission work virtually reinvent the wheel when they design and plan their service projects.

Making a Difference in a Globalized World: Short-term Missions thatWork is a guide to leaders of such trips. The book presents clear insight and research from anthropologists and development professionals, and encourages individuals to lead mission trips that make a greater impact on the communities that they are serving.

The text provides:
- a framework for planning short-term mission trips;
- foundation for planning;
- personal anecdotes and case studies;
- and practical suggestions for volunteer opportunities.
This handbook is a vital resource for any potential mission volunteers or organizers.

Details

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers / Alban Books

Pages: 180 • Trim: 6⅜ x 9¼

978-1-56699-758-4 • Hardback • July 2014 • $60.00 • (£46.00)

978-1-56699-443-9 • Paperback • July 2014 • $32.00 • (£25.00)

978-1-56699-716-4 • eBook • July 2014 • $30.00 • (£25.00)

Subjects: Religion / Christian Ministry / Missions, Religion / Christian Living / Social Issues, Religion / Christian Living / Stewardship & Giving

Author

Laurie A. Occhipinti, PhD, is professor in the Department of Anthropology, Geography, and Earth Science at Clarion University. She is the author of Acting on Faith: Economic Development in Indigenous Communities in Northern Argentina.

Table of Contents

Contents
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: Recounting mission trips
Chapter 2: Cultural Encounters
Chapter 3: Poverty and economic development
Chapter 4: Bringing Religion In
Chapter 5: Getting Practical
Chapter 6: Seeing the Big Picture
Suggested Resources

Reviews

Occhipinti asks penetrating questions about how hosts and visitors can benefit more fully from mission trips. She focuses on deepening relationships and moving from charity to social justice. As an anthropologist, she sees what many of us miss, and conveys her rich insights in a personal and accessible style.
— William M. Kondrath, VISIONS, Inc.; executive coach; coeditor of the Journal of Religious Leadership

Leaders and participants who read this book will find answers to many of the questions that come up about short-term mission. Occhipinti gives insight and practical tips on how to build effective partnerships, create meaningful cultural exchange, and ensure that projects will help communities.
— Allyson Drinnon, Associate Director, Volunteer Engagement, Habitat for Humanity International

Features

Features:
- Offers a context for thinking about short term mission work
- Offers practical suggestions for creating effective volunteer opportunities
- Considers the relationship between faith and social justice
- Addresses issues of culture and working across cultures
- Discusses the causes of poverty and strategies for improving local conditions
- Advocates working collaboratively with host community organizations
- Appropriate for readers from a wide range of faith traditions

Making a Difference in a Globalized World

Short-term Missions that Work

Laurie A. Occhipinti - Foreword by Robert J. Priest

Making a Difference in a Globalized World

Short-term Missions that Work

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