Missionary Care

Missionary care involves more than one might expect:

• Preparing well – Jesus gave encouragement and instruction to the 72 being sent out in Luke 10.
• Remaining connected – The church sent gifts with a dear friend to Paul in Philippians 4:16-18.
• Receiving well – The Antioch church listened, engaged and honored their missionaries in Acts 14:26-28.

All missionary care flows from the foundation of being sent well.  And Scripture shows the essential nature of sending in Romans 10:14-15.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are SENT? 

Being sent well is critical to effective ministry on the field.  And sending missionaries begins in the local church.  Churches create a culture of partnership that sends people into the world to make global disciples. Taking new spiritual ground in cross-cultural ministry isn’t easy. In order to be effective and sustained through their assignments, a missionary needs ongoing care. This care must encompass the entire time on the field, including the missionary’s return to their home country.  Read through the book of Philippians, a letter from Paul, the first missionary, to his partnering church. Take note of how you see the church partnering well and consistently with Paul.

Along with this scriptural foundation, technology makes possible unprecedented opportunities for today’s church to pour into the lives of those they send. Resources such as Skype, Viber and FaceTime allow churches to stay connected in real time to their missionaries.

Missionary care involves everyone. From toddlers to the retired, from welders to farmers, counselors and medical personnel and financial advisors.  Together, the church is exquisitely resourced to send and sustain missionaries. And senders and goers are equal partners in the Great Commission.

How can you take the next step toward sending well?

Pray. Radical prayer for missionaries contributes to radical missionary effectiveness.  So gather others to pray!
Plan. Plan to attend the Equipping Local Churches in Missionary Care workshop track at ICOM, hosted by Missionary Care Catalysts.
Discover. Take steps to engage in this exciting journey. Check out the recommended resources below.

You can do this!

Missionary Care Catalysts is a team who is partnering with God to advance a movement of churches committed to excellence in missionary care.

If you have questions about missionary care, or would like to find out more about joining the movement, please contact an MCC representative at MissionaryCareCatalysts@cccgo.com or join us on social media at facebook.com/missionarycarecatalysts

Resources