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Short-term Mission Trips

There are several reasons why joining a PMc Cohort could be beneficial for you. Firstly, if you are a Christian, you are called to be personally involved in God’s global mission of reaching the lost and building the church. This call is expressed in all four Gospel accounts as well as the book of Acts. It's for all Christians, not just a select few. Joining a short-term cohort is one way to be personally involved in Jesus’ mission around the world.

 

Another reason that joining a PMc Cohort could be right for you is that serving Jesus in Italy might not seem like such a vast cultural leap for an American. Many in the Lord’s church have the resources to participate in the Lord’s global mission but are often hesitant to do so. Why are they reluctant? Typically, their perception of missions involves extreme physical conditions, such as jungles, remote areas, poverty, dirt, disease, and similar challenges. Not everyone is called to these harsh environments. What many might not realize is that countries like Italy, with a population where less than 1% are evangelical, represent an unreached people group. They live and dress similarly to you and me, but they have not yet heard the Gospel. This is another compelling reason to consider joining a PMc Cohort. You have the Gospel, which they desperately need to hear to avoid spiritual peril. Joining a cohort allows you to contribute to bringing the Good News to those who need it most, without the concerns of outdoor sanitation or exotic diseases; Italians live in cities and towns much like yours, just older.

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What is a PMc Cohort?

A PMc Cohort is a small group of individuals who dedicate themselves to serving Jesus in Italy with the aim of spreading the Gospel to the lost. They set aside their differences, focusing on what unites their hearts: Jesus and the Gospel. Joining a cohort is beneficial because each member brings unique contributions to the group. Members rely on one another, enhancing the group's effectiveness in reaching more people through Jesus' work within the collective.

 

A PMc Cohort operates as a relational mission, meaning we do not merely conduct services; we actively 'go' to engage with people through evangelistic efforts. All our activities directly contribute to the broader goal of church planting, where full-time missionaries follow up with new contacts, integrating them into the expanding church family. This process allows the church to continue growing and reaching an ever-widening circle of individuals.

How does a PMc Cohort work?

Arrival and Accommodation

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  • Cohort members arrive in Italy and are warmly welcomed and hosted by full-time PMc missionaries.

  • The group is taken to their comfortable living quarters (a small home) equipped with:

    • Beds

    • Armadio (wardrobe)

    • Bathroom

    • Luggage storage

    • Air conditioning (a real luxury in Italy!)

  • PMc handles all organization and provision of:

    • Lodging

    • Transportation

    • Authentic Italian meals

    • Ministry supplies

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Training and Start of Outreach

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  • Once settled, the team receives intensive ministry training to prepare for outreach activities.

  • If everything goes smoothly, outreach typically begins on the second day (usually in the afternoon).

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Daily Schedule

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Mornings

  • Focused on door-to-door distribution of custom-made gospel literature (we can leave tracts in mailboxes in Italy).

  • Tracts/flyers are also placed in local spots like coffee bars, gelato shops, and laundromats.

  • These materials (created by PMc) are designed to connect with people's hearts, spark Gospel conversations, and invite further contact (e.g., for a free booklet or Bible).

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Lunchtime

  • The group enjoys a meal together.

  • Followed by a traditional Italian "riposo" (rest) – Italy slows down from about 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

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Afternoon (starting around 3:30 pm)

  • Team gathers for prayer and a Bible devotion (sometimes including an Italian worship song).

  • Ministry at a children's park using:

    • Puppet shows

    • Bible stories

    • Games

    • Face painting

    • Balloons

  • Goal: Share the Gospel with kids, parents, and grandparents while building community relationships and raising visibility for the local church.

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Dinner (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)

  • Another delicious, authentic Italian meal to recharge.

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Evenings

  • Activities move to the piazza (town square).

  • Short, silent dramas with music are performed to draw a crowd.

  • A cohort member then explains the Gospel message and invites discussion.

  • Team distributes free literature, hangs loose for a bit, and engages locals interested in more in-depth conversation.

  • Conversations continue as long as people are out and about.

  • The night ends with a group prayer before heading back to accommodations.

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Ongoing Rhythm

  • The next day, the same schedule is repeated in different areas of the city.

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Day Off and Conclusion

  • One full day during the 10-day trip is set aside as a free day for exploring and enjoying Italian culture (often including a visit to Venice).

  • The final evening includes:

    • An authentic Italian pizza dinner

    • Certificate presentation

    • Sharing of personal testimonies

 

This structured yet flexible schedule combines meaningful ministry with cultural immersion and team fellowship!

An Example of a Daily Schedule

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Results of Joining a PMc Cohort 

There are numerous positive outcomes from serving on a PMc Cohort. Most participants find their faith strengthened when they witness the possibility of reaching more people collectively and realize that everyone has thoughts about God. Usually, what is lacking is a safe and comfortable environment for discussing spiritual matters. We all have fears about evangelism and often do not engage in it as effectively as we should. After working together, it's common for individuals to gain new courage and skills in sharing the Gospel. People often return home more excited and better equipped to engage with their local community.

 

The Italian church greatly benefits, receiving a much-needed boost as it can easily become discouraged given the small number of believers amidst many unbelievers. The church gains a better reputation as locals become aware of its existence and see its active presence in the community. The church reaches individuals it might not have been able to on its own. Many Cohort members develop a new, God-given passion for the lost, committing to prayer and further involvement in mission fields like Italy. Lost individuals come to faith and are welcomed into a church family where they can grow in grace. All cohort members experience the joy of serving Jesus through evangelism, and above all, God is glorified.

How Much Does it Cost to do a 10-Day PMc Cohort?

Prices fluctuate due to dollar-to-euro conversion rates and market conditions. For 2025 cohorts, we estimate costs to range between $1,200 and $1,400 per person. This fee includes all lodging, meals, transportation within Italy, and a PMc t-shirt. However, it does not cover airfare or travel/medical insurance. Participants are responsible for arranging and purchasing their own flights to arrive in Venice, Italy, on the date specified by PMc. We encourage all short-term participants to raise funds through their churches, families, and friends, directing these contributions to PMc. Once a cohort member's application is accepted, they will receive further instructions and fundraising deadlines.

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Recommended Travel Insurance: Faith Ventures

Want to dive deeper into the experience? Check out episode 303 of Missions Incorporated for more insights! If you have any questions or want to learn more, feel free to reach out to us at info@practicalmissions.org. We're excited to hear from you!

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