What about missions trips?”

At the start of the pandemic, we heard this question frequently at Southeastern University (SEU). Disruptions affected every aspect of students’ lives, including their ability to travel abroad.

Despite these challenges, students found ways to get involved in global missions, such as giving financially. Thankfully, our students have a genuine passion for reaching the lost.

We can’t just assume the next generation will want to engage in missions, however. We must be intentional about getting them involved. Here are four ways churches can encourage missions participation:

1. Teach the Great Commission. Many young people don’t even realize Christians have a responsibility to take the gospel to the world. A 2018 Barna report revealed that only 10% of churchgoing young adults could pick out the Great Commission from a list of five Bible passages.

We need to talk more about Jesus’ commandment to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19–20) and why it’s central to our faith. We can’t preach the gospel without also preaching the Great Commission.

At SEU, we host an annual missions conference. We want all students — from freshmen to seniors — to catch Jesus’ vision for missions. Our goal is for them not only to know what the Great Commission is, but also to see it as part of God’s calling on their lives.

2. Discuss why missions matters. In Romans 10:14–15, Paul wrote, “How can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?” Whether we are going or sending, we all have a role to play in missions.

This past year at SEU, we launched the Bob and Hazel Hoskins School of Mission. With this new school, we want every student, no matter their major, to graduate with a missional mindset. It’s important for this next generation to understand that they can use whatever gifts God has given them to serve the world around them.

Of course, we must also be willing to navigate difficult conversations when talking with young people about missions. In 2020, Barna reported that more than 70% of churchgoing young adults saw missions as valuable. Yet 34% also said missions was tainted by its association with colonialism. We need open dialogue between young people, pastors and missionaries on such topics.

Whatever field they end up in, today’s young adults want to know they are making a positive impact on the world around them.

3. Support missionaries. Our congregations should be aware that we support missionaries and know who they are. Inviting missionaries to speak in our churches — whether on the main platform or in small groups — gives people an opportunity to learn about what God is doing around the world. And having conversations with missionaries may help young adults catch the vision for missions.

Many people who end up on the mission field or who have a heart for missions have had a personal relationship with a missionary. At SEU, we bring in missionaries to share what God is doing. We want our students to care about missions and even consider serving in missionary roles.

Every young adult can be a part of the process by praying and giving. God can use their time and resources for His kingdom when they are obedient to him.

4. Offer short-term missions trips. This is a cause-oriented generation. They have experienced and seen many injustices in the world, and they want to make a difference.

Whatever field they end up in, today’s young adults want to know they are making a positive impact on the world around them. We need to be able to show young adults how they can use that passion for the Kingdom. One way to do that is through short-term missions trips.

Personal experience plays a large role in shaping the religious beliefs of today’s young people. A short-term missions trip gives them a chance to participate in the Great Commission in a memorable and often life-changing way. It can inspire missions giving — or even a desire to pursue full-time missionary work. If we want the next generation to engage in the Great Commission, we must provide opportunities for them to be a part of it.

Missions trips are about much more than just having an adventure. They can lead to fruitful collaboration between missionaries and those who support them. At SEU, many of our trips return to the same place with the same missionaries because we recognize the value of long-term investments and partnerships.

I recently read an article about the declining church involvement of young adults. The author wondered what this might mean for the future of missions. Some of the trends are concerning, but as I consider the numerous conversations I have had with young adults, I feel encouraged.

This generation is passionate about serving, and they are looking for a cause. We need to be faithful to point them in the right direction.