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Things to Know About Mission Trips

By Raul Rivera

The Great Commission wasn’t a suggestion—it was a command. Jesus told us to “go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). And today, churches across the country are stepping up to take the gospel beyond their four walls and into the world.

If your church has been praying for a certain region or people group, there’s a good chance God is calling you to do more than pray. Maybe it's time to go. But before you book the flights and order the t-shirts, there are critical steps to take, both spiritual and practical, to ensure your mission trip honors the Lord and protects your church.

In this blog, I want to walk you through the most important legal, logistical, and leadership considerations for your next mission trip. This includes everything from tax-deductible gifts to waiver forms, passports, and anti-terrorism compliance. Whether you're sending a small group across the border or launching an international outreach, these principles will help you plan with confidence.

Liability Protection Comes First

Before diving into logistics, every pastor must consider the liability risks of mission travel. It’s one thing to feel called, and another to be prepared.

Many churches rely on waiver release forms, but few realize that most states do not enforce them. Even if a parent signs a waiver, they may still pursue legal action if something happens to their child. That’s why it’s critical to go beyond the form.

Here’s a better approach:

  • Use a well-written waiver that includes who the trip is for, what the activity is, when and where it’s taking place, why consent is given, and how emergencies will be handled.
  • Keep forms on file and give parents or participants plenty of time to review them.
  • Get liability insurance that covers international incidents. Most standard church policies only apply to lawsuits filed in the U.S. Foreign liability coverage is often inexpensive but essential.

An Even Stringer Protection

And here’s an even stronger safeguard: consider forming a Community Development Corporation (CDC) with your church as the patron member.

A CDC is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit that acts as the outreach arm of your church. It allows you to run domestic and foreign mission programs under a legal entity aligned with your church’s values while offering additional protection. It’s still under your church’s control, and all donations are tax-deductible, whether given to the church or directly to the CDC. Using patron-member bylaws, your church can appoint and remove the CDC’s board, retain mission alignment, and build strong internal boundaries that protect everyone involved.

Tax Compliance for Missions

Churches often receive donations for missions, but to maintain IRS compliance, you must:

  • Maintain full control over donated funds.
  • Use donations solely for charitable purposes.
  • Avoid acting as a pass-through for gifts to individuals.

For example, if someone donates to “support John Doe’s mission trip,” the church must retain discretion over how and when those funds are used. Document expenses carefully.

When sending money overseas, use grant agreements, conduct due diligence on the recipient, and consult legal counsel when needed.

OFAC and Anti-Terrorism Compliance

Before sending money or missionaries abroad, check the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) lists for sanctioned countries and individuals. You can find this information on the Treasury Department’s website at https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov. Travel to any country is OK so long as they are not on the list of prohibited countries.  Supporting or traveling to restricted countries without a license can result in severe penalties and even criminal charges.

If you’ve used our StartRIGHT® Program, you’ve already heard us emphasize the importance of having an anti-terrorism policy. Make sure you keep one in your church’s or ministry’s corporate records and follow it. This is one of those quiet protections that can make all the difference.

Practical Planning Checklist

In addition to legal and tax protections, here are essential questions every mission team should answer before they go:

1. Where Are You Going?

  • Does the destination require a passport or visa?
  • Allow 2–6 weeks for processing.
  • Will you need an invitation letter from someone in the host country?

2. Who’s Your Point of Contact?

  • Identify a trustworthy ministry partner or local guide.
  • Consider using a reputable mission agency to simplify logistics and compliance.

3. What’s the Purpose of the Trip?

  • Are you evangelizing, building, serving, or teaching?
  • Will the activities involve physical labor or age restrictions?

4. How Will You Get There?

  • Book flights early to save money.
  • If traveling domestically, compare gas vs. airfare.
  • Always consider safety, time, and cost.

5. How Much Will It Cost?

  • Be clear about what’s included (travel, lodging, meals).
  • Don’t forget passports, visas, and immunizations.
  • Encourage participants to fundraise together.

Don’t Forget to Pray

In all your planning, don’t neglect prayer. Pray for God’s provision, protection, and presence. Pray for the people you’ll serve and those who will go. Planning a mission trip is no small task, but remember this:

We serve a big God.

At StartCHURCH, we want to help you take bold steps while staying protected. If you have questions or want to ensure your church is legally and spiritually ready for the journey ahead, our StartRIGHT program for CDC services is here for you.

Give us a call at 770-638-3444. One of our team members will be happy to guide you.

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