Debriefing: What it is and Why it is Important

Missionaries who participate in our debriefing program are often like container ships, each carrying a cargo of experiences from their recent term of service. Through the Debriefing and Renewal process (DAR), we help cross-cultural messengers of the Gospel unload their cargo of stories, begin to process them, and make space for more stories on their next term of service, their next place of service, or on to retirement.

Debriefing is the essential process through which cross-cultural workers can begin to unload and reflect on their “cargo” of experiences.

Occasionally, participants arrive with their stories neatly organized, ready to be unloaded, explored, and sent out so that when they leave, their red line is well above the water. We want people to be seen and received right where they are so they can experience the compassion of the Father regardless of their current situation or future plans. Through this process, our hope is that burdens can be lifted.

However, the reality is often more complex. Participants may feel overwhelmed and disorganized, like a ship run aground; their stories could be messy, and they might not even know where to begin. 

This is how Suzanne and I felt at our second DAR in 2018, fresh off the field, feeling bruised and hurt from a difficult term in Africa. We thought God was done with us. A week later we drove away with burdens lifted, beginning to hope that maybe, somehow, God had more for us in this next season.

Debriefing is a safe harbor – a place sheltered from the sometimes chaotic, open sea we call life. Our hope is that cross-cultural workers can process through the choppy waters they have encountered abroad. Whether you have experienced grief, loss, transition, or other hardships, our heart is to provide a space for open and honest conversations. The journey to renewal is different for everyone, which is why we do not rush the process. We simply want to open the door so cross-cultural workers can discuss their experiences, knowing that the ultimate work of renewal is accomplished over time by the Holy Spirit.

Debriefing can be thought of as an open hand with each finger representing one part of the process:

1.     Content – This includes a biblical reflection on the day’s topic (stress, grief & loss, transition, etc.) as well as questions, worksheets, and analogies that help frame the topic and help each participant better explore elements of their story.

2.     Individual/Couple Debriefing – Participants meet with experienced, empathetic debriefers who can listen to their stories on a deep level and help them process and reflect.

3.     Participant Interaction – Participants can listen to each other’s stories during meals, in the evenings, and during other unstructured times.

4.     CHIPs (CHildren’s Intercultural Programs) – Parents can be at peace knowing their kids are being heard and are processing their stories in age-appropriate ways.

5.     Setting – The foothills of Colorado’s front range is a beautiful place to “lift up my eyes to the mountains and ask where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121). MTI’s beautiful purpose-built facility also helps participants relax and connect with each other or find quiet spaces to retreat on their own.

Together, these five components provide a holistic debriefing experience that helps participants unload their stories.