While many churches desire to send missionaries to the field, few are prepared to support those they send out. Supporting missionaries includes more than simply writing checks – it requires ongoing prayer, encouragement, and connection.

3 John 5-8

• Hospitality 
  • Receiving them well regardless if they are members here or not
    • Mission house
    • Dinner invitations
    • Play dates
• Preparing and sending Missionaries 
  • Pursue believers to raise up workers
• Knowing those who are sent out
  • Get to know who they are, build relationships, and strengthen the connection before they leave.
• Financial + Prayer
  • You already support through the cooperative program
  • Not all missionaries go with the IMB; all others raise their support 

Philippians 2:25-30

• Value them
  • Worker- They spread the truth, and living overseas can be more complex, requiring more effort. 
  • Soldier- Spiritual battles are very real for missionaries; they can be wounded, worn out, and discouraged.
  • Messenger- They spread the truth and story of the Gospel – the connection between sending church and the indigenous church.
  • Minister- A missionary minister to the local people, encourages the local congregation and pastor, other missionaries, and is a counselor to all.
• Caring for them
  • Checking in with the missionary regularly
  • Knowing when they are discouraged and how to pray for them
  • Learn how to encourage them in a personal and profound way.
  • The sending church is still responsible for the missionaries’ spiritual health.
• Support trips
  • Take short-term trips, semester or longer. Having a regular time of sending someone out to the missionary, not only to minister with but minister to the missionary.

Acts 14:26-28

• Welcoming back well
  • Receive them back with honor and excitement for the accomplished work.
  • Spend time with them in fellowship, Bible study, and fun!
• Declaration of God’s work done through them 
  • Listen to their work and stories (corporate and private)
• Recharge, refresh, and strengthen
  • So that they are ready to go back out or so they feel welcomed if they stay.