What is the value of a vision trip?

by Dan Wentworth

I was recently preparing for a vision trip to Brussels, Belgium, and then to Rome, Italy. A friend of mine who is a pastor at a different church asked me with obvious sarcasm, "How are you going to spin this one as ministry?"

It is my conviction that a vision trip needs no spin. I believe vision trips are not just legitimate mission trips but also that they play a vital role in your church’s overall mission strategy.

After completing a five-year partnership commitment in Brazil, our Global Outreach Team was uncertain as to whether or not we should continue sending teams to that South American country or put our resources elsewhere. After prayer and discussion, it was clear that the best way for us to investigate our next steps was a vision trip. So I headed to Brazil with another pastor from our church. We spent five days prayer walking, talking and meeting with the local missionaries. The result was that we would commit to partner with them for another five years, but this time our focus would be in major cities.

The results thus far have been very encouraging. Three teams have made the journey to Rio de Janeiro in the past two years with a fourth team organizing for this spring. We have done leadership training, Crown Financial Ministries training, as well as youth and children’s evangelism. The local churches we are working with have experienced significant new believer growth and have been greatly encouraged by our partnership in the gospel. Of course, as it always seems to be the case, we are blessed even more.

I consider the only spin needed for a vision trip is to explain why you are not taking one. It takes some effort and financial investment, but it is so worth it.

Proverbs 4:7 says: “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

So what would you like to know or share about vision trips? Post your comments or questions for Dan and others here.