I've talked to many pastors and priests that said Christian travel is an essential part of their ministry. People who travel to the Holy Land, Egypt, Jordan, Greece, Turkey, The Passion Play, and more gain a new perspective on discipleship as believers. People return home more engaged in worship, Bible study, service, and giving. New and existing relationships grow stronger and leaders are developed.
Here are some of the outcomes:
Each year, trips are easier to plan. New travelers eagerly anticipate the annual trips to the Holy Land. After a few years of positive experiences, little recruitment has to be done. It is done spontaneously by the former tour participants who fervently encourage others to take advantage of traveling with fellow members.
Many ministers make Christian Travel part of their Spiritual Formation plan in the church. There is a time commitment for the minister, but many of them enjoy growing with their congregation.
Keep the following things in mind when planning travel for your group.
After Christian travel, you not only walk away with Spiritual growth but also personal growth. Being able to see the places where history was made ignites a passion and better understanding for Bible stories and a renewal for your faith. Make new friendships and increase your worldview. What better way to travel: with others you know and your minister.
Here are some of the outcomes:
- Ministers get to know their members better.
- Seeing ancient sites, standing on holy ground, reading the Bible, praying and receiving Holy Communion where Jesus, Paul, and other disciples walked and lived are priceless gifts that cannot be duplicated elsewhere.
- Individuals formerly intimidated by Bible study actually become leaders of Bible study groups after returning home.
- Group members develop new friendships that continue to grow after our return.
- This time is an incubator for new, committed leaders in the congregation.
Each year, trips are easier to plan. New travelers eagerly anticipate the annual trips to the Holy Land. After a few years of positive experiences, little recruitment has to be done. It is done spontaneously by the former tour participants who fervently encourage others to take advantage of traveling with fellow members.
Many ministers make Christian Travel part of their Spiritual Formation plan in the church. There is a time commitment for the minister, but many of them enjoy growing with their congregation.
Keep the following things in mind when planning travel for your group.
- Consider travel as a change of pace for a retreat you have held elsewhere. Travel ministry is the same concept as retreat ministry.
- Make people aware that his is a time for Spiritual Growth and not just a vacation so that no one is surprised.
- Start planning a trip about 18 months in advance. It works well to schedule a series of travel opportunities. This is better than a one time special event.
- Visit different locations and vary the program. Some people may travel more than once, and people have different time and financial resources available.
- Plan what you will teach on each tour, but be ready to take advantage of many unplanned teaching moments.
- Work with a reputable Christian travel company that can handle all the details of the trip. You many have someone in the congregation that may be a good fit.
After Christian travel, you not only walk away with Spiritual growth but also personal growth. Being able to see the places where history was made ignites a passion and better understanding for Bible stories and a renewal for your faith. Make new friendships and increase your worldview. What better way to travel: with others you know and your minister.
For more information, contact Peterson Travel Pros by emailing [email protected]
by Judy Peterson, Travel Advisor
by Judy Peterson, Travel Advisor