Ministry Trip Planning
Flexibility
Logistics:
Ministry teams usually encounter unexpected events and glitches in schedules. These may be necessitated by travel events, unanticipated changes in costs, or issues of availability with materials or equipment. Team members and especially leaders must operate from a position of flexibility and a willingness to experiment with potential solutions to problems caused by logistical difficulties. A helpful philosophy to adopt is the belief that there are solutions to the problems encountered and that frustration and stress are normal and can be dealt with. Logistical problems often involve paying extra and unplanned expenses. Therefore making provision in advance to have a financial cushion will often solve these kinds of problems when they occur.
Intended Ministry:
The best laid plans and preparation for specific ministry activities often cannot be followed. Personnel, equipment, or facilities integral to the plan may become unavailable necessitating major modification in the intended ministry. Again the ability to make significant adjustments without personal or group trauma is highly valued and of great importance.
Team:
It is impossible to ensure that no one on the team will have major adjustment difficulties or that health issues will not develop. It is essential that the team be briefed thoroughly on ways that difficulties can be prevented and that provisions are made for dealing with adjustments of all sorts. They should also be reminded that they, too, must be flexible and willing to adapt.
Return to Trip Resources Page
Ministry Trip Planning
Flexibility
Logistics:
Ministry teams usually encounter unexpected events and glitches in schedules. These may be necessitated by travel events, unanticipated changes in costs, or issues of availability with materials or equipment. Team members and especially leaders must operate from a position of flexibility and a willingness to experiment with potential solutions to problems caused by logistical difficulties. A helpful philosophy to adopt is the belief that there are solutions to the problems encountered and that frustration and stress are normal and can be dealt with. Logistical problems often involve paying extra and unplanned expenses. Therefore making provision in advance to have a financial cushion will often solve these kinds of problems when they occur.
Intended Ministry:
The best laid plans and preparation for specific ministry activities often cannot be followed. Personnel, equipment, or facilities integral to the plan may become unavailable necessitating major modification in the intended ministry. Again the ability to make significant adjustments without personal or group trauma is highly valued and of great importance.
Team:
It is impossible to ensure that no one on the team will have major adjustment difficulties or that health issues will not develop. It is essential that the team be briefed thoroughly on ways that difficulties can be prevented and that provisions are made for dealing with adjustments of all sorts. They should also be reminded that they, too, must be flexible and willing to adapt.
Return to Trip Resources Page