How Small Churches Can Support Missionaries From Other Churches

Being witnesses and discipling and baptizing new believers isn’t just for big churches; it’s for all churches. Even though it seems like small churches can easily get lost in the shuffle of missions, they play a vital role in supporting missionaries.

For example, Andrew Fuller, an 18th-century Calvinistic Baptist notably known for his missionary efforts, called upon several different churches across the United Kingdom to support the Baptist Missionary Society in the 18th and 19th centuries, which was formed in response to the heresy of hyper-Calvinism. Through the support of Baptist churches of all different sizes, missionaries like William Carey were able to go to India to labor for Christ and his Kingdom in missions. 

We’re one body, and small churches display the church’s unity in supporting missionaries from other churches as well as their own in three particular ways.

Partnering in Support

One way small churches can support missionaries is by financially contributing to their needs. Even though larger churches have lots of resources, missionaries typically receive smaller portions of the budget than other ministries in the church. Sometimes, missionaries are financially supported by multiple churches for that very reason.

This is evident in the ministry of the early church. Both Lystra and Iconium sent and supported Timothy together as Paul took him under his missionary wing (Acts 16). That being said, reaching out to the leadership of a larger church for more information on supporting their missionaries can benefit your church. If you’re a larger church, seeking out smaller churches to partner with in missions displays the heart of Jesus’ vision and desire for the church (John 17:20–21). 

Supplies for Mission

Physically aiding missionaries by sending supplies or other missionary workers is another fruitful way smaller churches can participate. Even though financial support is most often helpful, physically sending supplies could be as effective. Additionally, training and sending men and women who are gifted and qualified in your congregation is also beneficial. Whether it be for short-term or long-term missions, sending help can be a blessing to missionaries. Paul exhorted the Romans to “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Romans 12:13). 

The harvest has been bountiful for over two millennia, but the laborers are still few (Matthew 9:37). There are still hundreds of unreached people groups who haven’t heard the Good News of Jesus. There is still a great need for Christ to be proclaimed among the nations, and missionaries from other churches could use the help. 

Pray and Proclaim

Finally, praying for missionaries from other churches is a third way small churches can be supportive. Jesus calls upon us to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest” (Matthew 9:38). Prayer is powerful, yet often neglected. 

Throughout his letters, Paul asks for prayer from his supporting churches (Romans 15:30–33; 2 Corinthians 1:10–11; Ephesians 6:19–20; Philippians 1:19–20; Colossians 4:2–4; 1 Thessalonians 5:25.) Not only does Paul ask for prayer, he exhorts believers to “be in constant prayer” (Romans 12:12). Prayer for missionaries ties together brothers and sisters from different churches because it reminds us we are serving the same King and laboring for the same Kingdom. In essence, prayer is vital to supporting missionaries. 

Andrew Fuller, who was mentioned earlier, says this in commenting on the Lord’s Prayer: “The prayer of faith and love will embrace in its arms brethren at the greatest distance; and not only such as are known but such as are unknown, even the whole family of God upon the earth.” Praying for missionaries from other churches brings us closer to God and closer to them. Knowing they’re covered in prayer, they become bold and courageous for Christ and His Gospel. Nevertheless, may Christ be glorified in small churches praying for missionaries from other churches.