We deeply appreciate your commitment to leading a team and serving through ACM. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary resources to prepare and equip you to lead an impactful mission trip that glorifies God. Please email our administrator if you have any questions.

Leading a Team

Preparing to lead a team on a mission trip with ACM requires careful planning and consideration.
Here is a list of steps that you should take when preparing to lead a team:

1. Share our Mission Teams Webpage with Potential Team Members
This webpage is a great resource for you and your team. You'll find links to all of our required documentation, fundraising resources (including a step-by-step video to help create a personal online fundraising page), informative videos for potential members, travel requirements, and more.

2. Communicate Required Documentation and Finances with Team Members and our US Admininstrator
Communication is Key
Our US Administrator will send you bi-weekly updates regarding the remaining balances due for each team member and any missing documentation (all links found on our Mission Teams webpage).  In addition to required documentation for team individuals, we require the team leader to download this spreadsheet and email it to our US Administrator 2 months prior to your trip. 

3. Equip your Team
Develop a Team Training Schedule
Our US Administrator will send you team manuals to distribute to your team. Our manual is also accessible online. 
You'll find a mission trip countdown on page 4 to help with planning.
Utilize our Team Manual
In every team meeting, we recommend reviewing multiple sections of our manual to familiarize your team members with the local language, customs, and etiquette. Additionally, this will provide them with valuable insights into the potential challenges they may face during the trip and equip them with the steps to plan accordingly.
​Build a Knowledge Base to Serve on Mission
Motivate your team members to finish the required and recommended readings.
Required: (1) ACM Team Manual (2) African Friends & Money Matters, by David E. Maranz
Recommended: (1) Helping Without Hurting in Short-Term Missions by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert (2) Let the Nations be Glad by John Piper
Define your Purpose
Clearly define the purpose and goals of your mission trip. Determine the strengths of each team member and specific areas where your team will be best suited to serve, such as schools, medical or dental clinics, construction, community development projects, etc. Communicate these strengths with our director so that he can plan your daily schedule accordingly.
Prepare a Skit or Song 
During your trip, there may come a time when your team is requested to present a skit or song, whether it be at a school or church. It is important to plan ahead and be ready to creatively and joyfully share the message of the gospel in a unique and engaging manner.
Prepare to Share
As the leader of your mission team, it is important for you to help your team feel prepared and equipped to share the gospel. This involves facilitating prayer, engaging in Bible study, and encouraging meaningful conversations among team members. Encourage team members to openly share their testimonies with one another, creating a space for mutual encouragement and growth.
Here are some conversation starters for your team members to practice:
1. You're talking with a community member in Uganda and they mention they've had a tough week because of x, y, & z. How do you respond? Some examples below:

• "I'm sorry to hear that. When I'm feeling down, I find my hope in my faith in Jesus. Can I tell you about how He's made a difference in my life?..."
• "I know this is a tough situation, but I believe that God works everything for our good and His glory, even when it's hard to understand. Can I pray for you, or would you like to talk more about how faith in Christ has helped me through difficult times?..."

2. You meet a person who is not a Christian. How do you share your faith?​ Some examples below:

• "I've been thinking a lot about my faith lately and how it has changed my life. I'd love to share some of my experiences with you and hear your thoughts on spirituality..."
• "I'm so excited to get to meet you and learn more about you and your culture. Can I tell you why I travelled half-way across the world? I wanted to specifically tell people about Jesus..."

3. Other questions to promote Gospel-centered conversations:

• "Can I tell you about my personal relationship with Jesus and how it's impacted my life?"
• "Do you have any spiritual beliefs or practices that help you find peace and purpose?"
• "What do you think about the idea of forgiveness and grace?"
• "Can I pray for you or is there anything specific you would like me to pray about?"
• "Have you ever experienced God's love in a tangible way?"
• "What do you think about the concept of eternal life and the hope it provides?"
• "Do you have any questions about Christianity or the Bible that I could help answer for you?

Remember, the goal of Christian outreach is to share the love and truth of Jesus with others in a respectful and compassionate way. Listen to the other person's perspective and be willing to engage in dialogue rather than simply delivering a monologue. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel, and trust in the Holy Spirit to guide your conversations.
Plan to Pack
We encourage each team member to bring a personal bag and a ministry bag (in some cases, two ministry bags, depending on the airline regulations). If you are near Birmingham, AL, our administrator might be able to provide ministry bags for your team members to bring with them. If that is not an option, you can consider coordinating with your local church or friends to gather donations for your team to take to Uganda. ACM may also send you letters, gifts from sponsors, or other items to include in your luggage. Consult with our administrator to determine the most suitable items to bring.

4. Communicate with your Team Members
The team leader should be the primary point of contact for your team members. Our administrator will provide you with updates on the funds received and documentation still required for each team member. Please pass this information on to the individual team members. 

5. Consider a Safari or Rhino Trek
When possible, teams are encouraged to go and see some of God's amazing animals in their natural habitat. Afterall, you are halfway across the world! A rhino trek is a one-day experience and costs around $80. A one- or two-night safari typically costs between $400-$700, depending on team size and selected accommodations.  Contact our director if you'd like to plan one of these adventures. 

Remember, each mission trip is unique, and additional considerations may arise based on the specific circumstances and objectives of your team. It's crucial to maintain flexibility, adaptability, and a heart of service throughout the entire process.