MISSIONS FAQ
ABOUT SUBSTANCE MISSIONS
what is the goal of short-term missions at Substance?
Substance Church's goal is to help spread the love and hope of Jesus everywhere we go, whether that be in Minnesota
or on the other side of the world.
Substance Church pursues that goal in partnership. It is less about the expected impact of any “one” of us but more about supporting and amplifying the efforts of our local partners and leaders. We only work with trusted organizations and individuals, where we’re confident in the alignment of our missions, and have trust in their operations. We want to be in positions where our presence is additive but never a distraction, or something that harms the longer-term impact of viability of the ministries we support.
Three core outcomes we hope to see from trip participation:
1.) Exposure. There is nothing like seeing the global church around the world thriving and being able to serve the global church with our gifts. We want our church members and leaders to see and experience what God is doing all around the world as we serve the local and global church. It’s inspiring!
This exposure always translates back into broadening our mission mentality when we come back home. It impacts how we serve, how we give and ultimately helps us realize that the mission field is EVERYWHERE! But sometimes it takes going on a focused mission trip to realize how impactful we can be at home, too. (Matthew 28:19–20, Isaiah 6:8)
2.) Community. Strengthen community and build friendships as a Substance Church community.
The relational bonding that happens on a mission trip is almost equivalent to a year of small groups! We want people to find their 4-7 friends at Substance and this is a great way to expedite that! (1 Peter 4:10-11)
3.) Service. Serving the Local and Global Church. We are partnering with thriving local churches around the world and our goal is to come along side what they are already doing in their city and region and serve with the strengths and gifts God has given us. (I Peter 4:11)
RECOMMENDED READING
Recommended reading that aligns with Substance’s Missions values and strategy:
- Hope Delivered, by Rob Hoskins
- Foreign to Familiar - Sarah A. Lanier
- When Helping Hurts - S. Corbett & Brian Fikkert
TRIP LOGISTICS
WHAT TRIPS ARE BEING OFFERED?
See our current trip offerings by visiting our Managed Missions site: substance.managedmissions.com/ourtrips
WILL THERE BE TRIPS OFFERED TO OTHER PLACES IN THE FUTURE?
Yes. For future tentatively planned trips please visit substance.managedmissions.com/ourtrips
ARE TRIPS SAFE?
Participant safety and the safety of Substance Church’s international partners is a priority. We work with the local teams to design a safe travel experience for participants, and all those involved. Travel conditions are continuously being monitored - relying on our trusted international partners and the U.S. State Department to help us make smart decisions on safety and whether to proceed as planned or potentially cancel or delay a trip.
PASSPORTS
For any international trip you must have a valid passport, one that has an expiration date that is 6 months or more after the conclusion of your trip. You must also have at least two empty passport pages for stamps upon arrival/departure. If you do not have a valid passport that meets those requirements, you must apply for one and have it in your possession at least 30 days (or more, if noted) prior to the trip. Right now, the wait time for a new application or standard renewal can be more than 8 weeks. If you need one sooner than that, then applying for expedited processing is recommended.
DO I NEED ANY SPECIFIC VACCINATIONS TO TRAVEL?
In most cases, no, but there may be certain trips that require or strongly suggest vaccinations (like Yellow Fever in East Africa) or will require certain precautional treatments (like an anti-malarial medication).
Your trip leader will share any potential requirements, but Substance Church otherwise defers to your medical care provider for any specific health needs and requirements.
CAN TRIPS ACCOMMODATE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS OR FOOD ALLERGIES?
There may be times when accommodating dietary restrictions is impractical, and Substance Church cannot guarantee accommodations for dietary restrictions. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, please be sure to list them on your application. We will review your application, and any potential risks based on which country the trip is visiting. Dietary restrictions, or any health condition, may limit your ability to participate in a missions trip. If accepted to join a trip, please plan to bring your own food with you such as allergen free protein bars, etc.
WHAT IF A TRIP IS CANCELLED?
There are many reasons that can cause a trip to be cancelled, delayed or modified. Common reasons include weather related occurrences, mechanical problems with transportation, participant illness or injury, or participant’s family member funerals or illness. Trips may be cancelled, delayed or modified, at the sole discretion of Substance Church. If a participant is not able to attend the planned missions trip, Substance will reasonably work with the participant to attend a future trip, however, there is no guarantee the participant will be able to attend a future missions trip and no guarantee that the cost of future trips will not require additional amounts be paid or fundraised. Whether or not the trip is delayed, cancelled or modified, or whether or not the participant attends the missions trip, for any reason, amounts paid or donated will not be refunded.
WHO CAN GO
Do I need to attend Substance to go on a Substance Missions trip?
Technically no, it is not a requirement that you attend Substance to participate in a trip. But to be eligible, participants must be in good standing with Substance Church and with their home church (as is applicable). It is also required that you formally agree to the Substance Church statement of faith and lifestyle
agreement.
If you do not live near a Substance Church campus, there may be additional requirements or considerations given before your participation is approved.
Are there any other requirements to go on a trip?
Most trips are designed to accommodate a general audience but there will be occasions where we seek more specific skills or backgrounds (see trip details for those considerations).
More broadly, all participants must be in good general health, physically, spiritually and mentally before leaving for and during the trip. All participants must pass a screening process which includes a criminal background check. Participants must also formally agree to the Substance Church Statement of Faith and Lifestyle Agreement.
In addition, we’re looking for participants to have:
- An active relationship with God & the Bible
- An active relationship with the local church (serving, small groups, church attendance, giving)
- Emotional & Relational Skills: positive, flexible, negotiable, servant’s heart
- Flexibility. Travel, ministry, and life in general don't always go as planned, so a flexible attitude goes a long way in building a strong team and maximizing its effectiveness.
Is there an age limit?
Each trip has its own age requirements; see the current trip offerings for specifics. In general, many trips will require the participant to be at least 18 years of age, but there will also be trips where children 12 years of age or older may be permitted (if accompanied by their parent or legal guardian).
Are children allowed on trips?
For certain trips (as specified in the trip details), children 12 and older may permitted to join. For a child to be considered for participation, the parent or legal guardian must also be participating and travelling with the child. All applicable trip requirements and costs will apply to both the child and the participating parent or legal guardian.
Children 16 and older may participate in domestic youth-centric trips without the participation and attendance of the parent or legal guardian.
COSTS & FUNDRAISING
How much do the trips cost?
The cost of each trip is included on the trip details page and in each trip’s application. Generally, trips will range from $1,000 to $4000 per participant, depending on travel costs and project inclusions. Longer, more logistically complex trips (like Zambia) will be on the higher end.
What is included in the cost of a trip?
Flights, lodging, ground transportation, meals, travel medical insurance (to provide emergency medical services including emergency evacuation), project costs, and trip administrative and overhead costs. There may be times when recreational or cultural activities are offered, however, participation in these activities is optional and would need to be paid for by the participant, not from church or donated funds (these additional offerings are not tax deductible).
Items not included, include things like passport fees, vaccines and pre-trip medical treatments, personal spending money, transportation to and from MSP airport, and other expenses that are personal or recreational in nature.
Are trip costs tax deductible?
Yes, in most cases, the cost of the trip will be tax deductible as allowed by law. Tax deductibility includes money donated to Substance Church to help cover the costs of the trip (similar to any giving to Substance Church) as well as direct expenses paid and not reimbursed (for instance if you purchased your own cell service while in country). Any exceptions would be communicated to you by trip leadership and typically would include personal expenses and expenses that are for leisure or cultural experiences.
Substance Church, Inc. is an IRS determined 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Substance Church, Inc. has full control and discretion over the use of donations.
Are trip costs refundable?
All trip contributions are non-refundable. If circumstances arise where you are no longer able to attend the trip, there is an opportunity, but not a guarantee to apply funds to the cost of a future trip. Donations cannot be returned to the donor for cancelled trips or for trips for which the participant is unable to attend, no matter the reason.
How do I fundraise for my trip?
Generally, the participant is responsible for fundraising for or otherwise paying for the entire cost of the trip pursuant to the trip payment schedule. There may be instances where money raised as part of the church or group efforts may help cover some of the missions trip costs, however, this is not guaranteed, and generally should not be relied upon as a source of funds.
Once you’re accepted to a team, you will have a Managed Missions (online fundraising management software) account created which will include a personal fundraising page. It will give you an easy way to share your trip with your network, with easy links to post on social media or copy into an email or text.
Besides asking for direct support from your network, some trip participants have also found success holding fundraising events, selling items such as baked goods or crafts, reselling items, or picking up specific projects or other odd jobs to raise extra money. These fundraisers are meant to be done within your relationships. We will not be doing mission trip fundraisers in the church lobby or at the church facilities. Please see the Deputized Fundraiser handout for more information on how to ensure the funds you raise are tax deductible HERE.
Ask your trip leader or send a message to missions@substancechurch.com if you have concerns about trip costs or would like more fundraising
advice.
APPLICATIONS & NEXT STEPS
How do I sign up?
Applications can be filled out after signing up for a Managed Missions account and completing the application. Links to apply can be found in the trip details at the top of this page or by visiting substance.managedmissions.com/ourtrips
Is everyone who applies selected to participate?
Unfortunately, no, not all the time. Substance Church reviews each application to make sure all requirements are met, and that each participant appears to be a good fit for the team. There are often more applicants than available team participant slots. If you are not accepted on a trip, Substance will work with you to find a spot within the local church community where you can serve and get connected.
How will I know if I am selected for the team?
You will receive an email notification after your application has been approved and the team leader will also reach out to you and confirm next steps.
What if I have additional questions?
Please email missions@substancechurch.com