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Short answer: most churches cover a group tour through a mix of early registration, a simple monthly savings plan for each traveler, and two or three well-run fundraisers spread over nine to twelve months. Mission Travel Faith Tours helps by building the itinerary around your budget, lowering the rate per person as your group grows, and giving one free spot for every 20 paid travelers, which many churches use for a pastor, a leader or a member who could not otherwise go. Call 407-377-7912 to start planning.

Cost is the first question almost every pastor hears when a trip is announced. The good news is that money rarely stops a church that plans early. When people see the trip a year ahead, know what it costs and have a clear way to save, they find a way. This page gathers the fundraising ideas we see work for churches, Christian schools, ministries, nonprofits and Bible study groups traveling with us from all over the world.

How do churches pay for a group tour?

Usually in four layers:

  • Personal savings. Each traveler sets aside a fixed amount every month from the day the trip is announced.
  • Group fundraisers. Two or three church-wide events, with proceeds shared across the travelers who serve at them.
  • Sponsors. Family, friends and church members who give toward one traveler's trip.
  • Group pricing. The larger your group, the lower the rate per person, and every 20 paid travelers earns one free spot.

For a full breakdown of what a trip includes, read how much a church Holy Land tour costs.

Fundraising ideas that work for church groups

  • Trip dinner night. Cook a meal from the country you are visiting and invite the whole congregation. It raises funds and builds excitement at the same time.
  • Sponsor letters. Each traveler writes a short letter explaining why the trip matters to their faith and invites friends to give or pray. Send a photo update during the trip and a thank-you card after.
  • Service days. Yard work, car washes, babysitting nights and moving help, offered for a donation.
  • Bake and coffee sales after Sunday services, run by a rotating team of travelers.
  • Silent auction or talent night with donated items, meals and skills from members and local businesses.
  • Bible reading challenge. Travelers read through the books tied to the trip, such as the Gospels for the Holy Land or Acts and Paul's letters for a Footsteps of Paul tour, and supporters pledge per chapter.
  • Scholarship fund. Invite the church to give toward one or two travelers who could not go without help, so the trip is open to every member who is called to it.

Use the free spots wisely

Every private custom Christian group tour runs from 10 to 500 travelers, and for every 20 paid travelers one spot is free. Churches use that spot in different ways: to bring the pastor at no cost, to bring a worship leader or youth leader, to fund a scholarship traveler, or to spread the saving across the whole group. Groups of 20 or more also travel with one of our tour managers.

Choose a trip that fits your budget

Whether your budget is large or small, we adjust the itinerary to suit your group. Some churches want more meals and guided visits included, others want more free time. Length matters most: a shorter route with fewer hotel changes costs less than a long multi-country journey. Popular starting points include our Holy Land tours, the Footsteps of Paul Greece tour and the Martin Luther Reformation group tour. Every tour includes a one-of-a-kind itinerary designed for your group, private sightseeing, airport meet and greet, private transfers, 24/7 on-call support, English-speaking local guides, full breakfast daily, and entrance fees and taxes.

A simple fundraising timeline

  • 12 months out: choose the destination, ask us for a written outline and per-person estimate, and announce the trip.
  • 9 to 12 months out: open registration, start monthly savings and hold your first fundraiser.
  • 6 to 9 months out: send sponsor letters and hold a second event.
  • Before 90 days out: each traveler's deposit is in place, because full payment is due once you are within 90 days of travel. Travelers can pay with more than one card or by phone with their Destination Expert.
  • After the trip: share photos and stories with sponsors and the congregation. It is the best way to plant the next trip.

Tips that keep fundraising simple and fair

  • Agree up front how group fundraiser money is shared, for example by hours served, and put it in writing.
  • Keep one trip treasurer and one spreadsheet so every gift is recorded.
  • Ask your church office how designated gifts are handled before you start.
  • Recommend travel insurance to every traveler so a covered emergency does not cost them their savings.

Related planning guides

Start planning

Tell us how many people are interested, when you hope to travel and where your church feels called to go, and we will send an outline you can share with your members. Visit our pastor planning page, read our FAQ, or contact us and call 407-377-7912.

Frequently asked questions

How do churches raise money for a group tour?

Most churches combine early registration, a monthly savings plan for each traveler, sponsor letters and two or three church-wide fundraisers such as a trip dinner night, service days or a silent auction, spread over nine to twelve months.

Does the pastor travel free on a church group tour?

For every 20 paid travelers one spot is free. Many churches use that spot for the pastor or a leader, or turn it into a scholarship for a member who could not otherwise go.

When is payment due for a church group tour?

A deposit holds each traveler's place, and full payment is required once you are within 90 days of travel. Travelers can pay with more than one card or by phone with their Destination Expert.

Can you build a church tour around a smaller budget?

Yes. Whether your budget is large or small, we adjust the itinerary to suit your group, for example with a shorter route, fewer hotel changes or more free time instead of included extras.