How Can Churches Can Support Missionaries?

Churches have always been at the forefront of sending and supporting missionaries. From the early church in the Book of Acts to modern-day congregations, believers have come together to pray, give, and encourage those who serve beyond their local communities. But what does this support look like in practical terms?

This article will explore how churches can support missionaries in both spiritual and tangible ways, highlighting the ongoing need for prayer, financial resources, and relational care. You’ll also discover how one organization, Mission Quest, helps churches and missionaries connect for a more effective global impact.

Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on how to strengthen your missions outreach. If you want to learn more about partnership opportunities and receive additional insights, be sure to visit MissionQuest.org/blog.

1. Spiritual Support

A. The Power of Prayer

One of the most significant ways churches can support missionaries is through consistent, focused prayer. According to the New Testament, prayer was a central element of missionary sending (see Acts 13:2–3). This Biblical account shows church leaders fasting and praying before laying hands on Barnabas and Saul, demonstrating how foundational prayer is to missions work.

• Develop a Prayer Calendar: Dedicate specific days or weeks to pray for each missionary your church supports. This consistency helps to keep missions at the forefront of the congregation’s mind.

• Organize Prayer Groups: Whether in-person or online, small groups can gather to pray for missionaries’ specific needs, such as spiritual boldness, safety, health, and effective outreach.

• Invite Corporate Intercession: During Sunday services or midweek gatherings, create a space for corporate prayer focused on particular missionary projects or urgent prayer requests.

B. Fasting and Dedication

Some churches go a step further by incorporating fasting into their prayer routine. Fasting, even if it’s just for one meal or one day each month, can serve as a powerful act of solidarity with missionaries working in challenging environments. By denying themselves physically, church members align more closely with the missionaries’ spiritual and emotional battles.

C. Encouragement Through Scripture

Sending Bible verses or short devotionals to missionaries can uplift them in moments of stress. Passages like Philippians 4:10–19, where Paul thanks the Philippians for their support, can remind missionaries that they are not alone. Such messages also show that their sending church is actively thinking about their well-being.

2. Practical Support

A. Financial Assistance

Many missionaries rely on ongoing financial support from their home churches. As Paul noted in Romans 10:15, “And how will they preach unless they are sent?” Here are a few ways churches can facilitate financial backing:

• Regular Budget Allocation: Dedicate a percentage of the church’s annual budget to missions. This ensures that missionary support is not dependent on sporadic fundraising.

• Special Offerings: Periodically collect a special offering to support specific missionary projects, such as building a clinic or translating materials.

• Emergency Funds: Keep a small reserve in case of urgent needs like medical emergencies or natural disasters affecting the missionary’s region.

  
  

B. Logistical and Technical Support

Aside from finances, missionaries often need help navigating the practicalities of life abroad—visas, communication tools, and operational resources. A church’s administrative team or tech-savvy volunteers can make a world of difference by assisting in areas like:

• Visa and Residency Paperwork: Guide missionaries in completing complicated documents or connect them to legal advisors if necessary.

• Technology and Communication: Help set up secure communication channels and data backup systems to safeguard sensitive information.

• Project Management: Provide training or software licenses that help missionaries manage projects more efficiently.

  
  

C. Communication Channels

Maintaining open lines of communication is crucial for both the missionary and the church. A simple message can encourage someone serving in a remote part of the world. Whether it’s a monthly email, social media updates, or video calls, consistent interaction keeps missionaries connected to their home church community.

• Email Newsletters: Encourage missionaries to send newsletters detailing their work and prayer requests.

• Video Calls: Schedule online meetings where church members can ask questions, offer encouragement, and get real-time updates.

• Private Support Groups: Use encrypted messaging apps or private social media groups to share more sensitive updates.

  
  

3. Building Ongoing Relationships

A. Regular Updates and Accountability

Churches that actively seek updates from their missionaries foster stronger, more transparent relationships. Receiving firsthand accounts of what God is doing in the mission field can inspire the entire congregation. This also provides a framework for accountability, ensuring the resources sent are being used wisely.

• Scheduled Reporting: Agree on a specific timeline (e.g., quarterly) for missionaries to update the congregation.

• Missions Liaison: Appoint a dedicated individual or team to maintain communication with each missionary, relaying any urgent updates to the church leadership.

  
  

B. Care Packages

In many locations around the world, everyday items like books, snacks, or small electronics can be difficult to find. Churches can strengthen relationships by sending care packages that meet both practical and emotional needs:

• Personal Touch: Include handwritten letters or cards from church members, Sunday school classes, or youth groups.

• Seasonal Gifts: Around holidays or birthdays, send items that evoke a sense of home—reminders that they are loved and prayed for.

• Cultural Sensitivity: When sending items, be mindful of local customs and regulations to avoid conflicts with customs agencies or cultural norms.

  
  

C. Visitations and Short-Term Mission Trips

When feasible, arranging a short-term missions trip from the home church can offer incredible mutual benefits. Church members gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges and triumphs of mission work, while missionaries receive much-needed encouragement and practical help.

• Skill-Specific Trips: Tailor trips to the skills within your congregation—medical professionals can hold clinics, construction teams can build facilities, and teachers can lead educational workshops.

• Fellowship and Encouragement: Face-to-face interaction can boost missionary morale, reminding them they are truly part of the global body of Christ.

  
  

4. Encouraging a Sending Culture

A. Education and Training

Developing a church culture that prioritizes missions starts with education. From children’s ministries to adult Bible classes, regularly highlight the Biblical basis for missions. According to 3 John 1:5–6, we do well when we send missionaries “in a manner worthy of God.” That means preparing the congregation with robust training on cross-cultural ministry, language, and evangelism techniques.

• Workshops and Seminars: Invite missions experts or seasoned missionaries to speak at your church.

• Missions Focus in Sermons: Incorporate the theme of global outreach and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) into Sunday teachings.

• Youth Involvement: Encourage young people to consider short-term missions or internship opportunities to spark lifelong interest.

  
  

B. Mentorship and Discipleship

A sending culture also requires intentional mentorship. Encourage experienced missionaries or pastors to mentor those who feel called to serve. By providing spiritual and emotional guidance, churches can raise up a new generation of well-equipped missionary workers.

• One-on-One Discipleship: Pair interested individuals with experienced mentors who can help them discern their calling and develop practical skills.

• Prayer Partnerships: Encourage church members to adopt “prayer partners,” intentionally praying for a missionary’s unique challenges and successes.

  
  

C. Regular Mission Emphasis

To maintain a sending culture, missions must be woven into the fabric of church life, not treated as a once-a-year event. Hosting mission-themed events, prayer nights, and community outreach initiatives keeps global ministry at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

5. How Churches Can Support Missionaries

If you’ve ever wondered how churches can support missionaries, the key is to offer both spiritual and practical help rooted in genuine relationship. Churches can do this by:

1. Prioritizing Prayer: Consistent prayer and fasting provide the spiritual backing missionaries need, reminding them that they are never alone in their work.

2. Providing Financial Resources: By dedicating a portion of the budget or taking special offerings, churches ensure that missionaries have the funding needed for day-to-day living and ministry activities.

3. Offering Logistical Help: Guidance with visas, paperwork, or specialized software can free missionaries to focus on serving in their field.

4. Maintaining Ongoing Communication: Monthly emails, calls, or online meetings help the congregation stay updated on prayer requests and mission progress.

5. Sending Care Packages and Personal Notes: These small gestures can bring comfort and encouragement, especially in remote or challenging settings.

6. Cultivating a Sending Culture: Through regular teaching, mentorship, and event planning, churches can raise future missionaries and deepen existing support networks.

By following these steps, any church—large or small—can significantly strengthen their missionary outreach and make a lasting impact on the nations.

6. Role of Mission Quest

Churches looking for a dedicated partner in missions often seek out organizations that share their core values and vision. Mission Quest stands out by focusing on both the spiritual and logistical aspects of missionary work. Through Mission Quest, churches can:

• Connect with Verified Missionaries: Access a network of missionaries who undergo thorough vetting and share the same heart for spreading the Gospel.

• Streamline Financial Support: Mission Quest simplifies fundraising, ensuring that missionaries receive the financial resources they need promptly and securely.

  
  

If your congregation is seeking to expand its missions program or you’re an individual missionary looking for a reliable sending organization, Mission Quest can bridge the gap between your local church and global communities.

Finally,

Churches play a pivotal role in fulfilling the Great Commission by supporting those who step into cross-cultural ministry. Whether it’s through prayer, finances, mentorship, or genuine friendship, the ways you can help are as varied as the gifts within your congregation. By embracing a sending culture and partnering with organizations like Mission Quest, every believer can actively participate in taking the message of hope and salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.

Ready to learn more about strengthening your church’s missionary support? Visit MissionQuest.org/blog for additional insights, resources, and ways to partner with Mission Quest in your global outreach efforts. Together, we can make a transformative impact and answer the call to share God’s love with all nations.