More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus gave instructions to his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20a).
Christians are still committed to sharing the good news and supporting ministries locally and globally. Many of us ask: What do our missionaries need? How can churches support them well? I spoke with missionaries around the world to hear their thoughts.
Stephen Humber, a Multiply regional mobilizer, believes that we should first recognize the calling of the global church. “It’s not just about how can a church have missionaries or serve missionaries, but [asking] how can the church submit to God in the work of global mission?” he says.
Starting from a posture of partnership with God and others, we can move in shared Spirit-led direction and recognize each other’s needs. “Let some good, open conversation and question asking bring those mutual needs to the surface,” Humber advises.
One of the biggest mutual needs is financial support. Kyle and Danae Schmidt serve in Uganda and know “missionaries rely not only on church support, but also on hundreds of individuals to meet their monthly budgets.”
Everyone I spoke to is raising funds to help cover costs for everyday needs, like housing and transportation, so they can follow God’s call. Danae invites us to “consider personally partnering financially and engaging with your missionary and their ministry.”
Good communication is another important aspect of partnership. Workers write newsletters, send e-mails and create videos to help people better understand their experiences. It is vital for churches to engage with missionaries’ news and provide space for them to share with congregations in person or online.
Karis, who doesn’t share her full name for security reasons, encourages churches to be curious about all aspects of ministry life, asking questions about “the ‘what’ and the ‘why’” of someone’s calling and not “just asking for yearly stats and updates.”
Whether on-site or while traveling, missionaries desire quality time with their partners. Every worker I connected with loves when people visit to meet their community and experience what God is doing.
The Chavez family, who serves in rural Peru, says that receiving teams reminds them “that we are not alone; there are many people walking this journey with us.” For churches that aren’t able to venture far, inviting missionaries to their town and hosting them well is another meaningful way to connect.
Lastly, missionaries need us to pray for them and those they serve. “Intentional and consistent prayer support is so, so encouraging…especially when they let me know they are doing so,” Karis says. Workers often share specific requests and ways to celebrate with their communities, sharing family updates and neighborhood needs.
Maricela Chavez says, “As a mom, when our supporters acknowledge our boys, that is very meaningful. When they show their love and care for them, that is very touching.” Our churches can and should lift up the ministries we partner with and trust God is working in and through them.
In all of this, Humber reminds churches, “Missionaries have a whole life and ministry going on. Be careful not to burden them with unnecessary (and sometimes unreasonable) demands and requests.” Instead, we are invited to give what they need every day: encouragement and support.
Caitlin Friesen is a native of Fresno, California, and a 2023 graduate of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. She has a passion for Jesus and a heart for children, both of which has been put to use as a backpacking guide, camp counselor and as associate pastor of children and family ministries at North Fresno Church. In September 2017, she and her husband, Ben, moved to Topeka, Kansas, where Ben serves as lead pastor at Cornerstone Community Church.
