The “Mission” of Missions

Darrin Geier
University of Northwestern - St Paul

Mission trips and service projects can be life-changing, but have we ever paused to ask ourselves why we serve and how to do it in the best way possible? This workshop will help you dive deeper into the true purpose behind these experiences, rooted in our calling to be “salt and light” in the world.

Together, we’ll explore how to plan trips that avoid common pitfalls, foster genuine connections, and support long-term transformation for everyone involved.

You’ll leave with practical tools, like a planning rubric, to help guide your future trips and ensure they’re impactful and meaningful. Let’s rethink the mission of missions so that every step we take brings us closer to God’s vision of service!

Darrin Geier has been in ministry for over 20 years, serving pastorally in college and local church ministry . He currently serves as the Associate Dean of Service and Commuter Life at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul. He is the husband of Ali, and together they have 5 children ages 3-16. With all of those distinct developmental stages under one roof, life is always a party!