Most people would agree that there are both pros and cons when it comes to bringing along cell phones on mission trips, prompting the question of whether the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa. While often people resort to the ultimate safety reason of “in case of emergency” to justify cell phones, even this needs to be evaluated when it comes to serving in foreign countries. Like most tools, the productivity or harm it can bring is completely dependent on whose hand it is in, and thus consideration should be made for how these gadgets will affect the group as a whole when making rules.

This debate has often raged when considering whether or not cell phones should be allowed in school. Often they are allowed under the condition that cell phones only be used for academic purposes at school, but how does this translate to the field of mission work where on a short-term trip, there is very little to validate their essentialness? Yes, there are certain developing nations where, to a degree, even smartphones are accessible to underprivileged families. However, when we are serving in the name of God, we need to heighten our sensitivity to the example we are setting for a watching world.

Who Restricts Cell Phones on Mission Trips?

It’s common for organizations to prohibit participants from using cell phones while abroad. Of course, there are a number of factors that go into this decision: the age of the participants on the trip, where the trip is going, the duration of the trip, the goals of the trip, etc. Depending on the type and purpose of the trip, cell phones may be more of a detriment than a benefit, and thus those facilitating the trips will often decide to not allow them. Check out these articles to read about some other organizations that prefer their participants to leave cell phones behind when serving abroad: “Smart Phones & Mission Trips” and “Mission Trip Rules that Transform.”

Why Restrict Cell Phones?

While there are a number of sociological reasons why it is a wise practice, there are also biblical ones. When serving abroad in the name of God, we are carrying his reputation in a way that can often be more pronounced than when in one’s own country. Serious Kingdom work requires serious commitment. Why bring along anything which could compromise the integrity of the mission by causing people to lose focus (Hebrews 3:1-3)? If we are prioritizing the work of God, then not using cell phones shouldn’t even be an issue.

If the professionals leading these endeavors believe it is the best for the mission, then we say “trust the experts.” If you prefer to go on a mission trip that allows cell phones, that’s okay too, but we wouldn’t suggest letting cell phones be a deciding factor for where you choose to serve God - make the choice you feel God wants you to make.

What About Emergencies?

Leaders have cell phones. Not only because they have a heightened awareness of the social situations they will be immersed in, but also because cell phones can be useful in certain emergency situations (though not all). There are plenty of safety precautions that go into play when organizing mission trips overseas, and very few of them involve cell phones. Cell phones can come in clutch which is why designated people have them, but it's not always necessary for everyone to have cell phones.

Even if every participant has a cell phone in these foreign environments for emergency situations, there are certain things to consider: Does the participant have the local numbers for emergency contacts in all the towns they will be visiting? Does the participant have a phone plan that will allow them to call in these settings? Will the participant have a signal in those towns? Does the participant speak the local dialect well enough to properly communicate the situation to emergency responders, especially under the pressure of an emergency situation? If the participant is trying to remember all these things, will they be able to focus on the reason why they came on the trip in the first place? The leaders and facilitators should be the ones to take charge in emergency situations since they have more experience and knowledge of the environment, not the participants.

Like the saying “staring at the safety net may cause one to fall off the tightrope,” sometimes that which we think will help in unwanted scenarios may actually create them. Some participants may feel a false sense of security with their cell phones, but it could actually distract them from listening to instructions, staying with the group, or adhering to other safety advice, and in that case, it may actually put them in undesirable circumstances. They also may not accurately process the severity of a situation because they believe they will be okay if something happens because they have a phone, when in reality, the phone may actually do little to help them get out of a situation. If you have time, check out this study: “Brain Drain: The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity.”

A Decrease in Cell Phone Use Increases Real-Life Engagement

In developed nations, it's easy to create little bubbles and ignore what takes place in the majority world. One of the things mission trips can do is awaken people to the reality of what takes place on a daily basis across the globe. Engaging with the real world is way different than “engagement” on social media posts, and that engagement becomes even more complicated when different cultures are involved. International mission trips provide an opportunity to sharpen one’s cross-cultural communication skills and develop lasting friendships, and that can be achieved much more efficiently if those new friends don’t have to compete with smartphones.

When people are outside of their comfort zones, such as during an overseas mission trip, it increases the temptation to reach for that which is familiar or comforting to them - for many people it’s a cell phone. Removing it allows them to be fully present rather than wrestling with it as a temptation for an entire trip. If cell phones are ever not allowed on a trip, it is typically for the well-being of the people, and not “just because.”

Cell Phones Can Complicate Social Situations

Some gadgets may be distracting for certain locals. Depending on where you are, your fancy technology could overshadow whatever message you thought you were leaving with people, and some may just remember you as “the one with the expensive phone,” even if to you, it wasn’t that expensive. Certain technology can be a symbol of your status, and a reminder of what separates them from you. It can unintentionally warp people’s understanding of what you stand for and even complicate their motives when interacting with you and your team.

Quick example: a missionary family invited an old friend over to their home who was accompanied by their significant other, and after leaving, the missionary family found out that one of their phones was missing. Even though it was the significant other who took the phone, it caused shame for their friend which caused her to distance herself from the family, even though it was not the fault of the friend or the family. While this did not happen during a short-term mission trip, it conveys how technology can unwittingly complicate social situations.

Conclusion

Short-term missions, internships, training missions, or missions with young team members are the trips most likely to prohibit the use of cell phones. While there’s a lot more that can be said both in favor and against the use of cell phones on mission trips, it’s best to trust those who are facilitating your trip to make the call as to whether or not cell phones should be used. Every trip is designed with a specific purpose, and in order for the facilitators to ensure the mission is a success, they create rules accordingly for their participants. Just remember, even after shipwrecks, imprisonments, and persecution, the Apostle Paul still did not take a cell phone on any of his missionary journeys!

Cell Phones on Mission Trips: Is it Worth it?

Who Restricts Cell Phones on Mission Trips?

Why Restrict Cell Phones?

What About Emergencies?

A Decrease in Cell Phone Use Increases Real-Life Engagement

Cell Phones Can Complicate Social Situations

Conclusion

Further Reading

Cell Phones on Mission Trips: Is it Worth it?

Who Restricts Cell Phones on Mission Trips?

Why Restrict Cell Phones?

What About Emergencies?

A Decrease in Cell Phone Use Increases Real-Life Engagement

Cell Phones Can Complicate Social Situations

Conclusion

Further Reading

Why Beginning College Can Cause Anxiety, and What Students Should do About It.

Summer Hang-Out Ideas for Nashville Students on a Budget