Sending and Supporting Missionaries: Best Practices

Introduction

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) is not merely a call to go but it is a call to send, support, and sustain those who go. The effectiveness of global missions depends not only on the passion of missionaries but also on the wisdom and intentionality of the churches and organizations that send them. This article outlines best practices for sending and supporting missionaries, rooted in Scripture and informed by historical and contemporary missions strategy.

Biblical Model of Sending

Missionary sending is deeply anchored in the New Testament. The church in Antioch set an early pattern as it fasted, prayed, and commissioned Paul and Barnabas for cross-cultural work (Acts 13:1–3). Paul’s approach went beyond evangelism, focusing on church planting, leadership development, and accountability (Acts 14:21–23). Ephesians 3:10 describes the church as God’s chosen instrument to declare His wisdom to the world. Missions should therefore be church-centered, covering each missionary with prayer, support, and accountability.

Identifying and Equipping Missionaries

Effective sending begins with identifying those whom God has called. Churches must discern calling through prayer, observation, and affirmation of spiritual gifts. Candidates should demonstrate:

• A clear sense of divine calling
• Spiritual maturity and character (1 Timothy 3:1–7)
• Cross-cultural sensitivity and adaptability
• A servant heart and teachability
• Biblical and theological education
• Missiology and cultural anthropology
• Language acquisition
• Practical skills (e.g., budgeting, conflict resolution)

Discernment should be communal, involving pastors, mentors, and the broader church body.

Developing a Clear Sending Strategy

A thoughtful missions strategy helps churches align their vision, resources, and efforts with the global mission. This includes setting clear goals about where to send, whom to send, and how to support.

Questions to consider:

• What are the unreached or under-engaged areas God is calling us to?
• Are we sending long-term, short-term, or bivocational workers?
• How will we support and evaluate their work?

Strategic sending includes partnerships with mission agencies, networking with local believers in the target region, and regularly reviewing the effectiveness of the church’s mission efforts.

Financial Support and Sustainability

Sending missionaries includes providing for their financial needs. Paul commended the church in Philippi for their ongoing support: “...you sent me help for my needs once and again… a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:16–18).

Best practices for financial support include:

• Establishing a missions budget within the church
• Encouraging regular, long-term giving from members
• Supporting living costs, ministry needs, travel, and healthcare
• Offering accountability and transparency in financial transactions

Churches can also encourage creative funding models like tentmaking or business-as-mission, especially for access-restricted areas.

Emotional and Spiritual Care: Holistic Support

Missionary life can be isolating and emotionally taxing. Churches must provide ongoing care:

• Regular pastoral check-ins
• Counseling and member care resources
• Prayer teams and intercession
• Opportunities for rest and sabbatical

Galatians 6:2 exhorts believers to “bear one another’s burdens.” Missionaries need to know they are not alone.

Communication and Accountability

Healthy communication fosters trust and partnership. Missionaries should provide regular updates, and churches should respond with encouragement and feedback.

Best practices include:

• Monthly newsletters or video updates
• Secure communication platforms
• Annual reporting and review
• Open dialogue about challenges and needs

Accountability is not control—it is mutual submission and shared vision.

Reentry and Debriefing

Returning missionaries often face reverse culture shock and emotional fatigue. Churches must prepare for reentry with care and intentionality.

Support includes:

• Debriefing sessions
• Counseling and reflection
• Opportunities to share experiences
• Vocational transition support

Mark 6:31 shows Jesus inviting His disciples to rest after ministry. Reentry is a time for healing, reflection, and reintegration.

Mobilizing the Whole Church

Sending and supporting missionaries is the responsibility of the entire church. Every believer can participate through:

• Prayer and intercession
• Financial giving
• Short-term mission trips
• Advocacy and awareness

Churches can host missions conferences, teach on missional theology, and create care teams. A mobilized church becomes a sending church.

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” — Psalm 96:3