Lausanne World Pulse – Themed Articles – Fellowship of Short-term Mission Leaders

By John Tucker

Participants at the October 2005 Fellowship of Short-Term Mission Leaders Conference.

Imagine a place where a leader can participate in the development of his or her ministry skills while equally focusing on the refreshment of his or her soul. Imagine a place where networking occurs, ideas are born and excellence in mission is promoted. For the past twenty-five years the Fellowship of Short-Term Mission Leaders (FSTML) conference has been a strategic oasis where these values are modeled. FSTML is an annual October conference that exists to bring God’s glory to the nations by training, networking and empowering key leadership from all disciplines of Christian short-term mission.

Soul Care
One of the primary purposes of FSTML is to facilitate soul care among its participants. Ministry leaders would rarely, if ever, argue that the development of ministry skills is an important aspect in achieving maximum effectiveness for individuals and organizations. Undoubtedly, these same leaders would champion the necessity of refreshing the soul. And yet it is so countercultural for us to take the time in worship, genuine fellowship and prayer that is necessary to reinvigorate our passion for God. Maximum effectiveness in our lives cannot come without this soul refreshing. At FSTML, intentional planning assures that participants have the opportunity to feed their soul spiritual nourishment. Specific time is set aside for personal prayer and prayer for the nations. Worship and encouraging interaction are part of the daily schedule.

Advanced Level Leadership Training
Not only does FSTML focus on spiritual rejuvenation, it also provides advanced level leadership training. Training is a central focus for the conference as FSTML aims to empower leaders in the short-term mission arena. Plenary sessions and multiple workshops provide avenues of learning for participants. Generally, participants are drawn to the conference in search of greater depth of training. The themes challenge professional leaders from churches, agencies, schools and other sending entities to grapple with mission issues and incorporate their conclusions into daily practice. Recent conferences have dealt with issues such as crisis management, justice, standards of excellence and effective follow-through. 

Oftentimes training in the short-term mission arena focuses on training team leaders for specific mission outreaches. This leaves key mission leaders little to wrestle with in their ministry once they receive initial team-leader training. FSTML seeks to offer ministry leaders training depth that will facilitate excellent short-term mission in their lives and organizations. For instance, participants in 2005 encountered workshops focused on marketing their organization’s opportunities, risk assessment and creative access strategies. By moving beyond basic training principles, FSTML engages leaders on a level appropriate to their ministry position.

John Tucker is an FSTML Conference Steering Committee Member and short-term mission practitioner. He currently resides in Cairo, Egypt, with his wife Erin and their son Ethan.