Mission Team
Continuous recruitment is necessary for the health of the team, and every year some people can’t come back on mission. Encourage the team members to ask people they know to join your mission team. They can share stories from their time on mission – in their church community, within Christian friendship networks, CU or Student Life. If your team has limited accommodation, encourage your team to recruit team members to plant a new mission, or support a struggling mission team.
Everyone who comes on team will need to supply you with two referees. For every new team member, contact both referees; for returning team members you know you need just contact one. Referee checks can be done by phone or using the electronic form provided. References are the main ‘quality control’ SU has regarding its volunteers. As the team represents Christ to the community, it is important to make sure that you are confident of your team members. Be aware of their strengths and weaknesses; know what areas of responsibility they can be given, and what areas they can be stretched into.
Team life is a significant part of mission. Living in Christian community can be a great way for people to draw closer to God, and experience Christian growth as they serve together. Life long friendships and relationships are often started on a mission team. However, there are a few things to be careful of. Your primary reason for going on mission is to connect with people who are not on the team. Make it clear to your team members that if they think they have found that special someone on team, to leave it until mission is over to pursue the relationship. Encourage people to not be exclusive in anyway, (especially best friends) but inclusive of everyone. In this way we show God’s love to all. Personality clashes sometimes occur, and as people get tired, emotions can run high. Team unity and loving people in Christ is the aim. Use the wisdom of team grownups and other mature Christians to assist in maintaining team unity.
Team meetings are really important in creating community and unity among your team prior to mission. Team meetings are also for training, discussing the vision and aims for your mission, delegating responsibilities, and mission preparation. Make sure everyone knows what mission is about, and has the opportunity to suggest ideas, get involved and feel a sense of responsibility for the mission you are all doing together.
There are many different roles, responsibilities and people within a mission team. Delegate responsibilities and roles to people who are suited to them. Don’t be afraid to stretch people’s experience, but keep in mind their capabilities. Train and reflect with a participant about their role so they can grow through responsibility. Also consider who you will invite to be your team grown-up to encourage and support you and your team. Please read more reflections on the value of having a team grown-up as part of your ministry.
It’s important to have a godly mission team (for director approved non-Christian team members, see team roles). Be open to all kinds of people coming on team, but be wise about having a balance of ages, maturity, experience, personalities, churches and gifts. God has made us all different; mission is a time when we can come together as a team to serve Him.
Team training is done in two ways: SU state-wide training day, Torque, and individually by each team. Encourage all your team to attend Torque and your core team to attend the Advanced Leaders Weekend (SUFM) or Training Days (Theos). Arrange team meetings and a team weekend away in the lead up to mission.
- Safety and Care: Safety is an important aspect of mission as we reflect to participants the care that God extends to us. Directors, in conjunction with SU and your team’s Risk Management Officer, are responsible for training their team. Please view the RMO kit here.
- Age group specific: As God meets us where we are, we aim to connect with children and young people in an age appropriate way. Ages & Stages and 11 – 14s–what are they like
Other
- Books_resources for training your team
- Training your team to avoid jargon