Short-term mission work for Christians should be a cross-bearing exercise. If the cross of Christ is excluded, then short-term missions becomes a secular exercise. This article shows how to apply biblical spirituality in short-term missions, in order that people might experience the power of the cross.

One danger of short-term missions is that they have the potential to cause dependency. This article discusses some ways to avoid the development of dependency in short-term mission work.

What is the impact of colonialism and post-colonialism on mission work? This article argues that colonialism bred dependence, while post-colonialism raised voices for the independence of local churches in mission work. This article discusses the 1970s moratorium on foreign missionaries and foreign aid.