Spiritual Formation Through Christian Travel
By Pastor William (Bill) Barnes
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“I regard Christian travel as an absolutely essential
part of my ministry. “
For 25 years I have been leading members and friends
of my churches on Spiritual Formation tours. People who
travel with me gain a new perspective on discipleship
as believers. Without exception, these pilgrims return
home more engaged in worship, Bible study, service, and
giving. New and existing relationships grow stronger and
leaders are developed.
There are a variety of destinations and modes of
travel to experience. I have led groups to the Holy Land,
Egypt, Jordan, Greece, Turkey, the Passion Play and
more. No matter where we go, I see the same outcomes:
• The time we spend together allows me to really
get to know my members.
• Seeing ancient sites, standing on holy ground,
reading the Bible, praying, and receiving Holy
Communion where Jesus, Paul, and other disciples
walked and lived are priceless gifts that cannot be
duplicated elsewhere.
• Individuals formerly intimidated by Bible study
actually become leaders of Bible study groups after
returning home.
• Group members develop new friendships that
continue to grow after our return.
• This time is an incubator for new, committed
leaders in the congregation.
These trips have become easier to plan each
year. New travelers eagerly anticipate my annual trips
to the Holy Land, and after so many years of positive
experiences, I do very little personal recruitment. That
is done spontaneously by the hundreds of former tour
participants who so passionately and honestly encourage
others to take advantage of the opportunity to travel in
confidence with fellow members. The response has been
so great that I limit the number of participants for each
tour so that I can effectively minister to and teach each
group of believers.
I encourage you to consider making Christian Travel
part of the Spiritual Formation plan at your church. Here
are some things to consider:
• Plan ahead. People will need more than a couple
months to plan for 7-12 days away from their
regular schedule and to make financial plans.
• Announce that this is a time for Spiritual
Formation and not just a vacation so that no one
is surprised and they prepare for the trip
appropriately.
• Consider travel as a change of pace for a retreat
you have held elsewhere. Travel ministry is the
same concept as retreat ministry.
• Prepare what you will teach on each tour but be
ready to take advantage of many unplanned
teaching moments.
• Schedule a series of travel opportunities; this is
better than a one-time special event. A trip every
12-18 months can be very effective and allow
more people to participate.
• Visit different locations and vary the program.
Some people may travel more than once, and
people have different time and financial
resources available.
• Work with a reputable Christian travel company
that can handle all the details of the trip from
start to finish. Not all travel companies provide
the same level of service. The process can be
very easy with the right help.
Don’t be surprised when you are changed by these
trips. The Spiritual Formation growth that occurs through
Christian travel is not limited to the passengers; these
trips are an important factor in my personal growth,
Biblical understanding, and worldview. Sometimes I
wonder who receives more from my trips: the first time
participants or the seasoned pastor who leads them!
William S. Barnes recently retired as Lead Pastor of St. Luke’s
United Methodist Church in Orlando, Florida in July 2015. He is
founder of Shepherd’s Hope, a faith-based volunteer health care
organization for the uninsured. Bill has led groups on Christian
travel tours for over 25 years.