RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN EFFECTIVE LEADER

Pray

Read Ephesians 6:18-19. The leaders should pray before, during and after the trip. Encourage the team members to pray in preparation for and during the trip. Consider a day of fasting and prayer.

Serve

Read Matthew 20:26-28. Jesus taught us that a leader is a servant. Leaders have the responsibility to lead the team along each step of the way. "Just as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve…"

Delegate

Leaders are too busy to do everything alone. By enlisting the help of others, the leader is helped and others gain positive experience in being accountable. Although many things may be delegated, the leader is still ultimately responsible to make sure that everything is accomplished.

Preparation Meetings

The leader is responsible to plan, organize and hold at least five meetings prior to the trip and at least two meetings after. These meetings should be mandatory for the team members.

Encourage the Team

Encourage the team members to prepare spiritually. While the physical details of the trip such as passports, packing, etc. are important, the key is to be spiritually and emotionally prepared. They will minister more effectively if they are well-rounded in their preparations.

Check on Requirements

Many countries require passports, visas and particular medical shots. MVI will inform the leader what is needed to enter the country. It is then the leader's responsibility to check with each team member to ensure possession of the proper documents and medications.

Communicate

It is very important to communicate regularly with MVI's team trip staff during the entire pre-trip planning time. They are the bridge between the team and MVI's Field Coordinators in each country where we work.

Enforce Rules

The rules and guidelines set down throughout the trip by those in authority are there for the purpose of keeping everyone safe. Following the rules will make the trip go smoothly. With everyone's cooperation in this, all should go well.

Solve Problems

Don't be afraid to ask for help when a problem seems impossible to solve. Someone is bound to know the answer or know someone who does. Know who to go to for help.

Debrief

Help the MVI field staff in debriefing the team at the end of the trip. Encourage them to continue in missions personally through MVI sponsorships and other opportunities. Spend time discussing ways in which the trip was a success and how it could have been improved. Schedule a follow-up meeting.

Provide a Write-up & Photos

MVI asks that each team provide to the MVI office a short write-up and a few choice photos to go with it about your trip. Note: this may be delegated! Some of these write-ups will be included in the quarterly MVI magazine.