Frequently Asked Questions

Short-term missions offers significant value to you, the individual, as well as to those you will meet and teach, the field that is receiving you, and the church as a whole. The mission of OPC Short-Term Missions is to help churches and mission fields find individuals to assist them with short-term ministry projects, find opportunities that meet the gifts of those who wish to serve, and encourage the church to grow in service. To learn more about the value of STM and why it is important, please check out the articles at opcstm.org/stm-resources.

We are thrilled you are interested in OPC short-term missions! To get an idea of whether short term missions is for you, watch this short video where we explain what makes a good short-term missions candidate.

Each application is carefully reviewed to ensure that STM candidates align with the specific needs of the field. Therefore, thoughtful and thorough evaluation is essential to select candidates who will contribute to a successful mission.

The OPC STM office or the team leader will reach out to you to inform you of your application status no later than three months before the trip dates.

Once you know you have been selected for a team, it is important to follow each step of our Roadmap to Short-Term Missions to ensure everything is in order for your trip; this includes raising funds, obtaining up-to-date identification credentials, making travel arrangements, and ensuring you have travel insurance for the trip (sometimes your team leader will arrange this for you—but it never hurts to double check!). You should also communicate with the team leader and be on the lookout for communications from them! You may also be asked to prepare by developing lessons, practicing skits/songs, and familiarizing yourself with other materials your team leader sends you. And, along the way, saturate yourself with scripture and prayer so that you can be a blessing to all!

The cost of each opportunity will vary, though it will typically consist of your airfare plus a trip fee paid to the field host to cover your lodging, food, etc.

One way to raise funds is to make your interest and financial need known to your local church. Churches may be willing to collect a gift to be put toward your trip expenses or designate a portion of their missions’ budget to these expenses. Speak with your session about those options. Many team members also write letters to family and friends to help raise funds. If a financial burden is keeping you from participating in short-term missions, please contact our office. We may have options for you.

It is important to communicate your questions and concerns with your team leader, and helpful to be in regular contact with them as your trip approaches. You can also reach out to our office with question by emailing [email protected].

Depending on the opportunity, trip, and location, teams may stay at a hotel, the home of a church member, or at the church, if the facilities allow. This information should be provided to you well in advance of your trip. If you have any questions about your lodging, contact your team leader.

You’ll want to pack clothing appropriate for the climate and season of the location of your trip. A quick google search should provide you with a reliable idea of weather and temperature patterns. Ask your team leader for a tentative schedule for your trip to get an idea of what activities you’ll be doing—whether that be hiking (for which you’ll want appropriate shoes and activewear), doing hands-on work (requiring work clothes), leading a VBS (casual clothes would be appropriate), or teaching an adult English class (which may require more professional attire). It’s wise to be mindful of the cultural attire as you plan clothing for your trip. If you have any questions about the cultural expectations, don’t hesitate to ask your team leader.

Of course, don’t forget your Bible and perhaps a journal!

We promise you won’t go hungry! Your food will be supplied by a local church family or if you visit local establishments. It’s a good idea to become familiar with the local cuisine, so there are no surprises. It is important to have an open mind and be ready to be flexible when faced with new foods on the field! If you have special dietary requirements, be sure to let your team leader know in advance.

Although there is no requirement to report to the OPC STM office, testimonials and photos are appreciated to help recruit future short-term missionaries. You may, as a part of your church’s sponsorship of your trip, be asked to make a report to your local church.

Age requirements are specific to each team and field, though generally team members should be at least 15 years old.

It is important that all STM team members are faithful, communicant members of their local church. We welcome members of churches from sister denominations and churches of like faith and practice to take part in OPC Short-Term Missions!

We encourage all interested individuals to complete an application for short-term missions! However, please note that each field has varying levels of accessibility and physical requirements for team members, and some opportunities may not be suitable for individuals with disabilities. If you are interested in serving and have physical disabilities or health concerns, please reach out to the point of contact for the field that interests you. Alternatively, you can contact our office, and we will work with you to try to identify an opportunity that suits your needs.

We are always encouraged to hear of parents encouraging their children and families in missions involvement. In some cases, fields may be able and willing to host young children along with their parents. However, the nature and objectives of some opportunities may not be conducive to having young children join. If you are interested in bringing you children on a short-term opportunity, please reach out to the point of contact for the field that interests you. They will be able to provide further clarity on the suitability of the opportunity for young children.