As international travel has become easier and cheaper, sending short-term teams to distant lands has developed as an exciting way for many people to get involved in reaching the world with the gospel!  But, just because a group of people can get to a location does not insure that they are a 'team' or that they will be effective in ministry.   To maximize the positive impact of a team, First Free invests heavily in selecting, training and sending servant-hearted teams that can:

• Meet needs and goals of strategic partners or sent missionaries
• Build vision for evangelism and outreach at First Free
• Develop the worldview, character, skills and heart of team members
• Proclaim the gospel, disciple new believers, train leaders and serve in ways that will increase the health of churches in our Focus Areas
• Challenge some team members to consider serving as long-term missionaries

FAQ’s ABOUT SHORT-TERM TEAMS

Where do the Short Term Teams serve?
First Free teams travel primarily to our Focus Areas (see Partnerships, Focus Areas and Focus Ages) and serve with our ministry partners.  Additionally, we send Youth and College-aged adult teams to work in other areas, such as Mexico. For current information on short-term teams, contact Roger Hommes at 636.779.2185 or email rhommes@efree.org.

What do Short Term Teams do?
Each team is unique!  Some teams teach English as a Second Language, some help host sports or day/VBS camps, some are primarily construction, evangelism and outreach oriented, or music and teaching - but all do “whatever it takes" to build and equip the churches they serve.

What qualifications do I need to serve on a Short Term Team?
Our teams are open to those aged 16-81 who are growing spiritually, who are physically and emotionally able, flexible and ready to serve.  Youth applying must be at least a junior in high school with previous experience through a youth mission trip, or equivalent cross-cultural service.  Applicants must be able to commit to fairly intensive training and have parental consent (if under 18), or spousal consent (if you are married), since this will affect them as well.

What IS the commitment – isn't this just a one or two-week trip?
Yes, most teams are one to two weeks in length, but in order to be fully prepared and bonded as a team, training is normally three hours per week for the 12 weeks prior to departure, as well as a weekend.  This training is fun and will provide time to:

• Develop the ministry plan and resources needed to meet your team’s goals
• Introduce the culture and ways to adapt
• Allow you and your team time to get to know one another’s strengths and weaknesses
• Grow together spiritually
• Discover more about yourself, the Lord and His plan to reach the world!

You will also be expected to attend a Preparing to Serve class, represent your team at the Spring Coffee House at First Free, share about your trip with your small church or group, write prayer and support letters, write follow-up and thank you notes to your supporters, and attend a debriefing session once you have returned.  Each team member is required to personally contribute a minimum amount financially to their trip (usually about $500), and raise prayer and financial support for the remainder of the trip’s cost.

Wow!  That is a lot to expect!
Yes, it is!  Serving on a Short Term Team is a big commitment – but, the rewards are even greater!   You should very carefully review your schedule and current commitments to see if you can give what is needed to a Short Term Team.  Once you are part of a team, though, time goes quickly, and the joy of working together with your teammates makes the effort seem much lighter!  You will find yourself excited to go to the debriefing and Coffee House events as another “excuse" to get together with your team members!

How do I apply for a Short Term Team?
Applications are available in February for the current year’s teams at both the Outreach Ministry table in the church foyer and the church office by contacting Roger Hommes at 636.779.2185 or by emailing rhommes@efree.org.  You can also download the Short Term Team Application from the web, when teams are forming, but please keep in mind that you will also need to complete a Spiritual Gifts (DISC) workbook available from the Outreach Ministry table or office.  If you have served on a First Free Short Term Team within the last three years, please complete a Renewal Application.

What if I can’t go on a team but want to be involved in a meaningful way?
Each team needs lots of  “on the ground" support!  One of the primary service opportunities is Home Team Coordinator for a team.  This vital role means you will train with the team, serve as a liaison between the church and team, and help them in many logistical ways – you will be a full team member, but you won’t go to the ministry field with them.  Also, each team needs shoppers, packers, those who can help with paperwork, etc.  These are smaller, but also important roles.  Please see the list under "Reaching our Community" or "How Can I Get Involved?" to explore other ways you might serve both locally and globally.

I would love to find out more about serving long-term – where should I go next?
To find out more about long-term missionary service, or supporting our current First Free missionaries, please contact Cathy Nelson at 636.779.2187 or email Cathy at cnelson followed by @efree.org

I still have some questions about Short Term Teams…
No problem!  Please contact Roger Hommes at 636.779.2185 or email rhommes@efree.org.