Missions involve a continuing cycle of going, evangelizing, discipleship and church planting. As an established church you are already acting in at least one aspect of that cycle by your very existence. At one time you were a church plant and now, hopefully, you are an active participant in evangelizing, creating disciples and sending out ministers of the gospel. Missions are only one way that a healthy church contributes to the great commission. I have compiled 10 good reasons for your church to take an important stand in supporting missionaries in prayer and monetarily.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Church Should Support Missions – Why Prayer and Monetary Support are Essential to Mission Trips
1. We are commanded.
Not every one of us can go ourselves to spread the word but we should be obedient to support missions in some capacity. He called us to participate in making disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to keep His commandments (Matthew 28: 18-20). There are many ways to be involved with this effort –encourage those who are studying to be ministers of the Gospel, pray for missionaries and mission fields, and lend financial support to those who have heeded the call to go. Help create awareness in your church about missionary efforts around the world.
2. How else will they hear?
The fact that so many still have not been told about the hope that is found in Jesus should be compelling enough. Mercy has been extended to us, and mercy is required of us. In Romans 10:14-15 the Apostle Paul says, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? We must be involved in this effort.
3. Workers are few
Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matt 9:37-38). We are ALL called to play a part in the process of planting, watering, and reaping the harvest. 1 Corinthians 3:9 says, that “we are the laborers together with God.” As a church what is your overall mission toward this effort?
4. Missionaries depend on churches
We are told in scripture to pray and provide support to those who give of themselves in taking the gospel to various parts of the earth. Paul asked the church to pray “that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified…and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. (II Thessalonians 3:3). Paul thanked the Philippian church for their contribution to his care (Philippians 4:10-18). Fulltime missionaries depend on prayer, encouragement and financial support to meet spiritual, emotional and physical needs, so that they can give themselves fully to the work of spreading the gospel.
5. We have been blessed for a reason.
“To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48). We have been given so much – freedom to study the Word of God, and many of us have health and enjoy a level of prosperity not seen in other parts of the world. Are we fulfilling our responsibility as good stewards of all that God has given us? It is yet another reason to labor in love.
6. Safe investment
It’s very easy to let ourselves be burdened with the cares of this world and worry about money. The remedy for the anxiety caused by uncertain investments, distress and cupidity, is to seek first God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Giving to the cause of the gospel is a way to store treasures in heaven that will never fade or fail (Matthew 6:20).
7. Reward
There is great reward in investing in the things that have eternal yield. A temporal inheritance can be squandered but an eternal inheritance is a reward that never goes away. “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.” (Hebrews 6:10).
8. Loving our neighbor as ourselves
Scripture commands us to not only love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, but also to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are taught that the entire law sits on these two things. (Matthew 22:36-40). When you are hungry, tired, and cold you care for yourself enough to eat, sleep, and warm yourself; this verse asks us to take the extra step of seeking to cover the basic needs of our brothers and sisters, including those out in the field loving and caring for the lost.
9. Glorify God
Ascribing to God honor, dignity, praise and worship is our primary objective as redeemed members of His creation. By obeying Him and following His commands to love Him and love others we bring glory and honor to God.
10. Establish His kingdom on earth:
“Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Our prayer should be that the gospel of Christ will be advanced as we prepare for his imminent return. The urgent message to repent heralds the coming of the Messiah as it did with John the Baptist, but this time Jesus will return as King. We want him to find us alert and working hard to advance His Kingdom when he returns, not lethargic and apathetic.