How Our Church Should Support Missionaries

How Our Church Should Support Missionaries

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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.