Wikipedia states: "A Christian mission has been widely defined, since the Lausanne Congress of 1974, as that which is designed 'to form a viable indigenous church-planting and world changing movement.' This definition is motivated by a theologically imperative theme of the Bible to make God known, as outlined in the Great Commission.
It's important to remember what the primary purpose of a missions trip! If we go into an area and just help with medical aid and the construction of buildings we do nothing to help the people with their biggest problem, their Salvation.
I am not saying not to help, or not to go on trips where you don't have an opportunity to preach the Gospel. Quite the opposite in fact. I applaud everyone who helps those who need and deserve help. I thank God for those Christians who help out! After-all, Christian organizations make up most of the worlds charities and aid agencies.
It's not a "Mission's Trip" without the Gospel being the primary focus and purpose of the trip. Rather it is an "Aid Giving or Humanitarian Relief Trip".
There is no such thing as a "Social Justice Christian". More on that later!!
If you or your church has people getting ready to go on a missions trip check out:
Serving As Senders: How to Care for Your Missionaries While They Are Preparing to Go, While They Are on the Field, When They Return Home
