Debriefing is not the same as evaluating. All aspects of a mission trip need to be evaluated by leaders in order to understand how they can be done better in the future. Debriefing has to do with facilitating personal growth. Project evaluations cover such areas as logistics (travel, lodging, food, and safety), ministry, relationships, and leaders.

Debriefs fall into three categories:
a. Instant debriefs (just after ministry has finished)
b. Daily debriefs (in the evenings: "what did you learn today?")
c. Post-trip (varies in length according to length of trip - a day for each month on the field is a rule of thumb)

Here are three areas to cover when you do a Post-trip debrief:

1. Lessons Learned
-spiritual
-leadership
-ministry
-cross cultural living
-interpersonal relationships
-family/marriage

2. Hurts & praises
- lay them out and address any lies that might have attached themselves to our thoughts
- Ensure that we have fully forgiven
-Look at areas where we did not see breakthrough and ask the Lord for insight
-Thank the Lord for them

3. Planning for the Future
-develop vision/life call
-next year's plan/goals
-direction for jobs/education
-lifestyle: changes to make?
-relationships: issues to address?
-where to improve?

Next blog: 30 Debriefing questions