Reflection Questions for post-short-term missions

In the Bible-belt, summers usually mean a mission opportunity is given to children, youth, or adults in your local church. These opportunities are great and get the entire church on-board with missions-initiatives; however, I think we all lack proper reflection on the lessons we've gained from such experiences. We normally thank God in the moment and once our feet hit home-land, we're on to new and fast-paced things.
Given that we have multiple young people come serve South Africa with us each year, I've gathered some questions that I give to the "mission participant" in hopes they'll debrief during their travels home. I also send these questions to those responsible for the mission participant (parents, ministers or accountability partners). It's the church Body's responsibility to help the participant and supporters understand God's voice in the mission. Missions is not for recreation or a one-time trip to fill summer-time. The lessons are for the benefit of the entire Body!

If you've been on a short-term mission recently, I'd encourage you to think about (or journal) answers to the questions below. They've helped me (and those I minister to) think deeply about what God is saying in these moments of intentional service opportunities. Before "American Fall" hits and you're on to new things, stop and cherish the lessons God is tugging you toward per your time on mission for Him!

Pause. Reflect. Remember
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Reflection Questions for post-short-term missions

Compare and Contrast: Home vs. Mission
. Now that I'm back home, I feel ....
. The easiest/greatest part of me being back home is ...
. The hardest part of me being back home is ...
. The things I'll miss about [missions location] are ...
. What is one thing you value about the culture you worked in?
. What are the differences between home and [missions location]?
. What are similarities between home and [missions location]?

Going Deeper
. The memory that has most stuck with me is ...
Why do you think this memory stuck? What is God revealing?
. What I've found difficult to deal with or disappointing is ...
. What did you learn about people?
. What did you learn about yourself?
. What did you learn about God?
. What did you learn about missions?
. What scriptures did you cling to in the hard times while on mission?
. What scriptures are more real to you now that you've had this experience?

Missions Thinking - Short-term, Long-term, Church-involvement
. There's value in both short-term and long-term/lifetime ministry. What are your views on the benefits of each?
. What is your definition of poverty?
a) What, who, where, why?
b) From your experience in [mission location], has your view or experience of "poverty ministry" changed or has it been reshaped?
. What is the role of the church in foreign and local missions?
. How (if at all) has your view of "church" changed since being with the [missions location] church?

Personal Reflection and Action Steps
. The thing that is different about me (after this missions experience) is ...
. I know that God wants me to ...
. After this experience and encounter with God, I hope to ...
. After this experience and encounter with God, I commit to ...
. The questions that remain from this experience and what is next in my life are ....
. What character traits of a disciple are you strengthening now that you've been on mission? 
Has your definition of disciple/discipleship grown or changed?
. From the lessons you've learned, what can you add to your local church or community that will make a lasting, long-term impact?
. Who will you tell about this experience and encounter with God?
. Who in your life needs to hear the Gospel? What's your plan for being the Gospel-carrier to this person/people?
. What needs to exit your life in order to be a more committed, obedient follower of Christ?
. What needs to be added to your daily/weekly routine to be a more committed, obedient follower of Christ?
. Who will keep you accountable to these changes and action-steps?