Why Debrief?
  • There are a number of reasons to debrief: seek emotional healing, renew motivation, alleviate felt and hidden burdens affecting well-being and effectiveness, to prevent small problems from becoming big issues that derail a ministry, and above all, to keep missionaries thriving.
What is debriefing?
  • Simply put, debriefing is telling our story, complete with experiences and feelings, from our point of view.  It is verbal processing of past events, including both facts and emotional responses, and invites feedback. Debriefing is an opportunity to share in depth recent experiences with someone who is willing to listen and care, without judgment or criticism.
  • Debriefing is not counseling.  Debriefing is not coaching. If you are interested in or need these services, there are other options available with professionals trained in these specialties.
Can I debrief online or must it be in person?
  • While in person debriefing is ideal, there are online options. It is important for those being debriefed to come away from their normal place and life of work/ministry for the purpose of concentrated time for reflection and time with the Lord.
  • Virtual debriefing may lack the full experience which would provide maximum benefit from debriefing, but can offer more flexible options.
Do the debriefs involve our children?
  • Ideally, debriefing involves the entire family.  Sometimes parents and children need separate debriefing, but it is beneficial for the whole family’s health.
What are the different types of debriefs?
  • Debriefing can be done individually, as a couple, family or even as a team. Routine debriefs are done proactively to keep us in good emotional, spiritual and mental health.
  • Critical Event or Crisis Debriefs are done in response to something significant that occurred and should occur as soon as possible, not more than 4-6 months of the incident. Reentry debriefs are helpful tools for navigating transitions and should be done 4-6 months after reentry.
How often should I be debriefed?
  • Routine debriefing should take place at the end of the first year of on field service; then every 3 years at most after that.
  • If you serve in a high-stress ministry field, then consider debriefing more frequently.
Where do debriefings take place?
  • Ideally, debriefings occur not only away from the ministry site and home, but also in another completely different environment from the culture in which the missionary or ministry leader has been serving.
  • Each debriefing is designed with the specific missionary/ministry leader’s needs in mind, depending on the program you choose.
  • Debriefs may be held stateside, in a neighboring country to that of the missionary or even in their host country. 
How much does it cost to be debriefed?
  • Debriefing costs are based on each unique experience. See the Resources: Debriefing section for the various programs out there and consult their websites to see the different options.
I’m ready for a debriefing, what should I do?
  • Contact your Care Coordinator.  If you don’t know who that is, contact the Director of Missionary Care at [email protected]. He/she will help you get connected with the appropriate people on the Care Team to make your sabbatical as fruitful as possible.   

RESOURCES: DEBRIEFING

IN PERSON PROGRAMS: Group Setting with fixed dates for both adults and children 
  • ​​ALONGSIDE – Richland, Michigan –Three week Renewal and Growth Retreat held every month. Program includes debriefing plus daily counseling, if desired. Price includes program and lodging, but not meals. (each housing unit includes a kitchen where participant prepare their own meals). See the website for details.  ​
  • ​MTI (Missionary Training International) – Colorado Springs, Colorado – 5 day program called DAR (Debriefing and Renewal) with both group and individual time. Includes program, housing and meals. See website for details.  
  • TRAIN INTERNATIONAL – 5 day program called Abide – Joplin, MO and various locations.  A group debrief. Uless specified otherwise, children are welcome and included in the program. Covers program, snacks and light lunch.  Participants are responsible for their own lodging and evening meals. See website for details.
  • CIT (Center for Intercultural Training) – Union Mills, North Carolina – 5 day Debriefing Retreat.  Age-appropriate program for children at same time. Housing available for separate cost. See website for details.
  • EXCELLING LEADERS – Three Mile Lake in Paw Paw, Michigan – 9 day program called Radiant Life Retreat. Time to share your story, process and build resilience. This involves the body, soul and spirit. 3 days of the retreat focuses on this wellness. Children are included and have their own program mirroring the adult program. Includes lodging, meals and supplies. See website for details.
IN PERSON PROGRAMS:  Group Setting with fixed dates and individual debriefing - adults only. May not include children's programming.
  • BARNABAS INTERNATIONAL – 5 Day program called Interlude at various locations. Includes program, lodging and meals. See website for details.
  • HEARTSTREAM – Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Offer 10 day holistic debriefing intensive program with attention to physical and nutritional issues in various locations. No children’s program.  
  • ​SAFE PLACE MINISTRY – Leigh Valley, Pennsylvania – Provided 3 hours to full 2-5 day intensives for individuals, families and teams. (Debriefers may be able to travel to you. Check with them directly.) 
  • VALEO (formerly Godspeed Resources) Columbia, South Carolina. Multi-Day program scheduled at participant’s convenience either in-person or online facilitated by one or two Valeo debriefers. For singles or couples.  
  • PARACLETOS – near Cincinnati, Ohio - 7 days group debriefing package includes all meals and lodging. No children’s program. 
  • ​SANCTUARY INN – near Portland, Oregon – Primarily a retreat/rest location, but on site Care Coordinator will provide a 3 day debrief for adults and help you make a care plan.  
  • ​EMMAUS ENCOUNTER – 5 Day program near Lakeside, Montana. Inquire in advance about children.
  • COMPASS MINISTRIES – Tampa, Florida – 2 or 3 day programs with a pastoral counselor. Family debriefs available.
  • LE RUCHER – designed for people who have been on the field at least 5 years. All debriefers are certified under Le Rucher, France (www.lerucher.org) They use a specific program called “Exchange at the Cross.” East Coast debriefers are located in Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. They sometimes will travel to where the people are to be debriefed are located. 
ONLINE PROGRAMS
  • Global Trellis offers an annual self-debriefing program for individuals and/or families
​NOTE: Many counselors offer debriefing both in person and on-line on a per session basis. 
Other Programs to Consider (based on situation/need):
  • Link Care – Restoration and Personal Growth Program: intensive counseling in a multi-disciplinary setting. 
  • Marble Retreat – Christian counseling center with an 8 day retreat model for restoration and healing  
  • Shepherd’s Heart Ministry – 8 retreat centers around the world focused on helping Christian leaders dealing with moral failure, marriage problems, addiction and burn-out.
  • Sacred Journey – Soul Care Retreats in the Rocky Mountains – 3 and 5 day spiritual retreats for couples and singles 
  • Elim Retreats – A ministry of Barnabas International located in Sheboygan, WI. Low Key, lightly structured spiritual retreat for ministry workers tailored to meet the needs of the individual. 
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