Short-Term Missions and Social Media

As summer missions trips ramp up, the Chalmers Center provides guidance for posts that are accurate and respectful.

Summer is a prime season for short-term mission trips. Thousands of missions organizations send over 2 million people a year on these trips, often service and project-oriented.

Photo by Elianna Gill / Unsplash / Creative Commons

The short-term mission trip movement began in the 1960s and carries on today, with about one-third taking place domestically and the remaining two-thirds traveling internationally.

In an era where social media reigns supreme—if it’s not posted to Instagram, did it even “really happen”?—the Chalmers Center warns short-term missionaries that certain posts can end up exploiting the people they are trying to help.

In response, the ministry has developed guidelines to help participants navigate their use of social media during and about their trips.

Chalmers recommends that short-term missionaries start by asking their hosts for their preferences regarding social media and photography—then respect those preferences. Hosts in closed countries are likely most sensitive about posts that could endanger the Christians living there.

It also encourages short-term missionaries to avoid what it terms “spectacle mode.” Treating people who live in material poverty as a photo opportunity “dishonors the image of God in low-income people, and can contribute to feelings of shame and powerlessness that they might already feel,” the guidance states.

Even if allowed and done carefully, short-term missionaries should take a social media break during their trips to ensure they are “fully present” and relating to those around them. The break is likely to allow for deeper engagement and spiritual growth.

Still, certain areas should be considered “off limits” for social media photo posts, including places of worship and people’s homes, Chalmers advises. Be especially careful about photos of children.

Access to MinistryWatch content is free.  However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts.  To make a donation, click here.

When thinking about the tone of a social media post, consider whether it implies a “savior syndrome” where it creates a hero and victim dichotomy. Chalmers suggests avoiding phrases like “the least of these” or “bringing light and hope” in posts. “Use any social media updates to highlight the dignity of the community and what God is already doing over the long haul, rather than elevating your own role and impact,” it says.

Consider delaying the post, giving thought that it accurately reflects the whole story of the community and God’s work there.

If carefully crafted, social media posts can still be a valuable way to share the short-term mission experience and lessons learned, Chalmers acknowledges.

Simply put, Chalmers encourages short-term missionaries to follow the Golden Rule. Before posting, ask how you would feel about the images and post being made if the roles were reversed.

TO OUR READERS: Do you have a story idea, or do you want to give us feedback about this or any other story? Please email us: [email protected]