10 Ways Churches and Individuals Can Support Missions and Missionaries
Missions is at the heart of what it means to live out our faith. Throughout history, men and women have stepped out in obedience to share the gospel, often facing great challenges, sacrifices, and hardships. Yet, they do not do this work alone. The call to missions is not just for those who go—it is for all of us. Every believer has a role in spreading the gospel, whether by going, praying, encouraging, or supporting those on the front lines. The question is: How can you be a part of this incredible mission?
Missions is not just about reaching far-off lands; it includes our local communities as well. Every city, town, and neighborhood is part of the greater mission field. Supporting missionaries isn’t just about sending money—it’s about being actively involved in their work and recognizing that missions start right where we are. Whether you are part of a local congregation or looking for ways to personally engage, there are countless ways to make an impact. Here are some meaningful and practical ways you can support missions and missionaries around the world and in your own backyard.
1. Pray with Purpose
Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to support missionaries and those serving in local communities. They deal with spiritual battles, cultural barriers, and personal struggles, and they need the prayers of fellow believers to stay strong. Instead of generic prayers, be intentional:
Pray for specific missionaries and local ministries by name.
Lift up their needs, challenges, and victories.
Ask God to open hearts in both foreign lands and local communities.
Gather a group at church to pray regularly for missions near and far.
Missionaries and local ministers often say that knowing people are praying for them gives them strength to keep going. Consistent and focused prayer is a way to stand in solidarity with them, trusting that God will move in their circumstances. By making prayer a regular practice, individuals and churches actively partner in the work of missions and strengthen the spiritual foundation of those in the field.
Read our PRAYER NEEDS section for up-to-date prayer requests from across the globe.
2. Stay Connected with Missionaries and Local Ministries
Being away from home can be isolating, whether serving overseas or in an underserved community nearby. A simple message, email, or call can remind them that they’re not forgotten. Here’s how you can stay connected:
Send encouraging notes or emails.
Schedule video calls or in-person meet-ups for local workers.
Send care packages with small comforts from home.
Follow their updates and respond to their posts.
Missionaries and ministry workers thrive when they know people care about them beyond financial support. A heartfelt message, a phone call on a holiday, or simply asking about their family can make a world of difference. Small acts of encouragement remind them they are part of a larger body and strengthen their resolve to keep going despite difficulties.
3. Get Involved in Local Missions
Missions doesn’t always mean going overseas. Every community has people in need—immigrants, refugees, the homeless, and others who need to hear the gospel. You can:
Volunteer at refugee or immigrant support organizations.
Start an outreach ministry in your church.
Build relationships with international students or workers.
Assist in food pantries, homeless shelters, or after-school programs.
Engaging in local missions equips you with hands-on experience in cross-cultural ministry and discipleship. It also shows the world that the church is not just a place of worship but a source of love, help, and transformation. Serving those around you fosters a missional mindset and opens the door to deeper involvement in global missions.
4. Use Your Skills to Help Missionaries and Ministries
Mission work often requires skills beyond preaching and teaching. If you have a skill, chances are it can be used to support missions both globally and locally. Think about:
Helping with website design or social media for a missionary or local ministry.
Assisting with legal, medical, or educational needs.
Offering language tutoring or translation services.
Writing or editing newsletters and support letters.
Every mission field has logistical and operational needs that skilled professionals can meet. By offering your expertise, you empower missionaries to be more effective in their ministry while ensuring practical needs are met. Missions is a team effort, and your contribution, no matter how small, plays a vital role in the bigger picture.
5. Go on Short-Term Mission Trips or Serve in Your Community
Not everyone is called to full-time mission work, but short-term trips and local service projects provide firsthand experience and support for those on the field. These experiences can:
Provide much-needed encouragement to long-term workers.
Offer hands-on help in construction, medical aid, teaching, or evangelism.
Help you see mission work up close and develop a deeper passion for it.
Short-term trips and service projects cultivate a heart for missions and help you understand the realities of life in the field. Whether working on a building project, serving in a clinic, or supporting a VBS in another country, these experiences create a deep appreciation for the work being done and often inspire long-term commitment.
6. Adopt a Missionary, Local Ministry, or People Group
A great way to stay engaged is to “adopt” a missionary, a local ministry, or a people group. This means committing to:
Regularly praying for them.
Learning about their culture and challenges.
Staying updated on their work and needs.
Encouraging others to get involved.
When you commit to a long-term relationship with a missionary, ministry, or people group, your support becomes more personal and impactful. Your involvement builds lasting partnerships and helps sustain those who are doing difficult work in challenging environments.
7. Promote Missions in Your Church and Community
Missions should be a regular part of church life, not just an occasional emphasis. You can help make that happen by:
Encouraging leadership to talk about missions regularly.
Organizing mission-focused Bible studies or small groups.
Hosting mission conferences or inviting guest speakers.
Encouraging young people to explore missions as a calling.
When missions becomes a central focus, more people in the church will feel called to get involved. Creating a culture of missions in your church leads to more sending, more supporting, and a greater impact on the world.
8. Learn and Share Mission Stories
Stories have the power to inspire action. Learning about and sharing mission testimonies can help build awareness and passion for mission work. You can:
Follow missionary blogs, social media, and newsletters to stay informed.
Share impactful mission testimonies during church services or small groups.
Host mission-themed documentary nights or book discussions to educate and engage others.
The more people know about missions, the more likely they are to get involved. By sharing mission stories, you help bridge the gap between those on the field and those who support them.
9. Support Missionaries During Furlough
Missionaries on furlough often need practical support and a time of rest. You can ease their transition by:
Offering temporary housing or transportation.
Helping with medical appointments, childcare, or school enrollment for their children.
Providing meals and fellowship opportunities.
Missionaries returning home need a strong support system to recharge before heading back to the field. Your hospitality and assistance can make this season restful and fruitful.
10. Look for Opportunities Beyond Your Immediate Church
Missions is bigger than any one church—it’s a global effort that requires collaboration and commitment from believers worldwide. The work of missions is vast and extends across various cultures, languages, and regions, making it essential for churches and individuals to look beyond their immediate circles. Consider:
Connecting with independent missionaries and mission agencies.
Volunteering with cross-denominational mission initiatives.
Partnering with Christian humanitarian organizations.
Step Up and Take Action
Missions is for everyone. Whether through prayer, personal involvement, or advocacy, there’s a place for you in the Great Commission. No matter your background, experience, or location, you can have an impact in sharing the gospel and supporting those who go. The mission field is everywhere—right in your neighborhood, across your country, and around the world. Step out in faith, find ways to engage, and be an active part of God’s work today!