Short-Term Mission

Over the past few decades, short-term mission trips have exploded in popularity. With easy access to affordable air travel, millions of American Christians have journeyed internationally for ministry, service and evangelism. Short-term trips are praised for involving many in global mission but also critiqued for their limitations.Despite the diversity of destinations, certain universal commonalities emerge in how mission trip participants describe their experiences: "My eyes were opened to the world's needs." "They ministered to us more than we ministered to them." "It changed my life."Anthropologist Brian Howell explores the narrative shape of short-term mission (STM). Drawing on the anthropology of tourism and pilgrimage, he shows how STM combines these elements with Christian purposes of mission to create its own distinct narrative. He provides a careful historical survey of the development of STM and then offers an in-depth ethnographic study of a particular mission trip to the Dominican Republic. He explores how participants remember and interpret their experiences, and he unpacks the implications for how North American churches understand mission, grapple with poverty and relate to the larger global church.A groundbreaking book for all who want to understand how and why American Christians undertake short-term mission.

"Howell causes us to reconsider our own cultural narrative as part of the learning process as we engage in STM cross-culturally.", Well-researched, engaging, and insightful, Short-Term Mission is an essential resource for STM leaders and participants alike. Filled with thought-provoking case studies and narratives, the conclusions of Howell's research have the potential to significantly redirect the conversation surrounding STM. As such, this text is ideal for church leaders and members, scholars and students, and others interested in the development, impact and future of STM.", "Howell's book would be an excellent catalyst for conversation in a college class or among members of a missions committee.", "Full of surprises in practical wisdom, provoking insights and giving voice to the majority world, Brian Howell's book challenges evangelicals to a new self-awareness of cross-cultural sensitivity and compassionate involvement in short-term missions."

Brian M. Howell (Ph.D., Washington University) is associate professor of anthropology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. His books include Christianity in the Local Context and Introducing Cultural Anthropology.