Mission Trips

You can apply online through the COTM Missions page. If your application is approved, you will have two weeks to pay the non-refundable deposit and sign the COTM Missions Commitment Form. You may begin fundraising immediately upon approval, and any funds raised may be applied toward your deposit. However, your spot on the team is not secured until both your deposit and signed commitment form have been received. Once complete, you will officially join the team and receive additional information about next steps and trip preparation. 

Because discipleship is at the heart of COTM Missions, every team member is required to attend pre-trip team meetings (6 for adults and 4 for students). These meetings are designed to help teams build community, prepare spiritually, develop cultural awareness, and get ready for ministry and logistics. They are more than planning meetings. They are a key part of the discipleship journey and an important aspect of the COTM Missions experience.

That’s okay! Many participants start out not knowing anyone on their team. Through team meetings, shared experiences, and serving together, relationships form quickly. Because discipleship happens best in community, building genuine connections with your teammates is an important part of the COTM Missions experience. By the end of the trip, many teams describe themselves as a family, and those friendships often continue long after the trip ends.

Included: 
Trip costs vary depending on the location and the needs of our Mission Partner. Funds raised for the trip cover expenses such as airfare, visas, local transportation, lodging, meals in country, ministry and project supplies, medical insurance, translator costs, and team meeting resources. Individual trip costs are listed with each opportunity.

Not Included:
The trip cost does not include passport fees, meals during travel days, checked baggage fees, or personal spending money (for snacks, souvenirs, etc.).

Yes! Most participants raise support for their trip, and we provide resources and guidance to help. Once approved, you’ll receive a personal giving page that you can share with friends and family. Support raising is an opportunity to invite others to join in the mission of God by partnering with you through prayer and financial support.

Any funds raised beyond your trip cost may be used to help another participant reach their support goal or to support other COTM Missions needs and opportunities. Unused funds will not be carried over to future years.

Most participants find that support raising is an important part of their missions journey and an opportunity to trust God and invite others into His mission. Throughout the process, we’ll provide resources, guidance, and encouragement to help you reach your goal. If you’re struggling to meet your goal, communicate with us early so we can help you evaluate next steps. While participants are ultimately responsible for any remaining balance, we’ll work with you to help you develop a plan and finish strong.

Yes, a valid passport is required for all international trips. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your trip’s return date. Some destinations also require a visa. If a visa is needed for your trip, the COTM Missions team and your Team Leader will guide you through the process. While visa costs are included in the trip cost, passport fees are not. If you don’t already have a passport or if yours needs to be renewed, we encourage you to begin the application process as early as possible.

Currently, none of our mission trips require vaccinations, though this is subject to change at any time. We’ll communicate any recommended or required vaccinations or health precautions well before your trip. We also encourage participants to consult their doctor before traveling internationally, especially if they have any health concerns or medical conditions.

We take the safety of our teams seriously. We closely monitor conditions in each destination through our trusted Mission Partners on the ground, as well as the U.S. State Department and local government authorities. Because our partners live and minister in these communities year-round, we place significant value on their firsthand knowledge and assessment of the situation on the ground. Every team travels with experienced leaders, and contingency plans are in place for emergencies. While no international travel is without risk, we carefully evaluate each trip and reserve the right to postpone, modify, or cancel a trip at any time if safety concerns arise.

Every trip is different, but most days include personal or team devotions, serving alongside our Mission Partners, engaging with local communities, and sharing meals together. Evenings often include team debriefs, prayer, and time to reflect on what God is teaching through the experience. While each itinerary is unique and often very fluid, every day is intentionally designed to advance the Kingdom of God, strengthen the local church, and help participants take meaningful steps in their walk with Jesus.