Mission Trip Team Covenant

Adherence to these guidelines is required for all team members. By signing this covenant you are committing to abide by these guidelines, both in fact and in the spirit of the covenant.

1. I will maintain an attitude of understanding towards the host culture; I will not imply or try to convince them that my particular culture is superior in any way. I go on this trip knowing there will be cultural differences and I will do my best to be a witness for Christ in the host culture without judgment or condemnation of these differences.
2. I will abstain from making negative comments or creating arguments about: cultural differences, people, politics, sports, religion, race or traditions.
3. I am joining this team as a servant-disciple of Jesus Christ; I will strive to manifest at all times an attitude of love and encouragement, relating to fellow team members in a positive Christian way.
4. I accept and submit myself to the identified leadership of this team; I will abide by his or her decisions for this team, the team ministry objectives and myself.
5. I will respect the local mission host and not be a problem to them; I will do my best to contribute to helping them achieve their long-term ministry goals also.
6. I am fully aware that this ministry trip will subject me to numerous risks that are uncommon to my way of living, including health hazards, disease, poor sanitation, limited medical facilities, potential personal injury, etc., and I may not have control over some of these conditions. I commit to make the best of every difficult situation.
7. I commit to attend all team meetings, both prior to departure and during the mission trip; as requested by the team leader. Absence should be communicated and approved beforehand.
8. I will expedite my responsibilities in regard to requirement for passports, visas, financial obligations, needed vaccinations, travel arrangements, etc.
9. I will avoid all actions or attitudes which could be perceived as amorous or romantic towards indigenous people.
10. I will not seek romantic relationships with any of the team members during the trip.
11. If there is a relative or close friend on the team, I will not be exclusive with that person; I will relate equally to all our team members.
12. I understand I must travel with the team at all times unless given a special assignment which would require otherwise.
13. I will refrain from using tobacco or alcoholic beverages while in the host country, regardless of my personal convictions on such matters; I will not use or knowingly do anything illegal.
14. I will consult the team leader before giving any kind of gift or committing to do anything for a local person in the host country.
15. I agree that if correction of my behavior becomes necessary I will be open to correction by the team leaders. I understand that if my behavior jeopardizes the objective of the mission, and my problem conduct is not resolved and/or corrected, I may be set aside or sent home early, at my own additional expense.

I recognize and accept these conditions, which further the objective of our mission and help ensure safety for me and for the team as a whole. In signing this covenant I affirm I am 18 years of age or older, or my parent or guardian will sign with me, accepting all conditions.