Blog Post: Be a World Missions Sender

"Going" is not the only way to participate in reaching the "ends of the earth" with the Gospel.
A parallel can be drawn between the world missions enterprise and the military in that the support troops far outnumber those on the front lines.
Senders need to be as passionate and dedicated about their world evangelism contribution as the front-line missionary.
In terms of what "senders" can do, prayer may be the most important help they can give.

Mission Briefing: Ideas Affecting World Missions Outreach Today

"How will anyone go and tell them unless someone sends him?" — Romans 10:15, The Living Bible

Ideas for a Sermon on Supporting Cross-Cultural Missionaries

People often think they can only participate in global evangelism by flying to another country. They are mistaken. "Going" is just one avenue of missions involvement. Those who leave home to become career missionaries need a cadre of consecrated and zealous supporters back home.

What Does the Bible Say About Supporting Missionaries?

Steven Hawthorne, in Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, wrote a chapter titled "Senders" about those who support the "Go-ers." Hawthorne, who grew up in a Nazarene parsonage, noted that the Apostle Paul may have been thinking of human senders as well as God when he rhetorically asked, "How can they preach unless they are sent?" (Romans 10:15).

The Apostle John was clear in his encouragement to become senders for missionaries. The Amplified Bible renders verses 7 and 8 in Third John: "For these [traveling missionaries] went out for the sake of the Name [of Christ]. So we ought to support such people [welcoming them as guests and providing for them]."

Third John and Paul's writings to the Romans (15:24¹) speak of emotional and material support. Money is needed in world evangelism, but senders must do more than give. Paul often requested prayer for his ministry (see Romans 15:30; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:19-20; Philippians 1:19; Colossians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; Philemon 1:22).

R. A. Torrey, founding head of Moody Bible Institute, believed prayer support was more important than finances. He wrote: "The man or woman at home who prays often has as much to do with the effectiveness of the missionary on the field... as the missionary."

Senders contribute in many ways: updating missions bulletin boards, sending equipment, and more. A variety of gifts can help the work of missionaries.

How Can We Support Missionaries Today?

Here are six areas where senders can support missionaries:

Emotional support (emails, cards, Zoom, attending deputation services)
Mobilization (raising missions awareness locally)
Financial support (giving and encouraging others)
Intercessory prayer (praying and mobilizing prayer)
Logistical help (housing, transportation, shipping, event planning)
Re-entry assistance (listening, orientation, hospitality)

Senders sometimes adjust their lifestyles to pray more, serve more, and give more. Be a Sender. Impact the "ends of the earth" from your doorstep.

Reflection Questions About the "Senders" in Romans 10:15

What is the role of senders in world evangelism, and how does it differ from that of front-line missionaries?
How does being a sender challenge traditional notions of missions involvement?
What can senders contribute beyond financial support?
Why did R. A. Torrey value prayer support over finances? Do you agree?

-- Howard Culbertson,

"Senders must be purposeful and prayerful regarding the person in the field and the people in the culture receiving the missionary." — Steven G., Nazarene Bible College student

¹"When I go to Spain, I hope to... have you assist me on my journey there." — Romans 15:24

This article is part of the "Mission Briefing" series published in Engage magazine.

Afterword

In terms of world missions efforts, a "sender" is an individual, church, or organization that supports missionaries through financial support, prayer, encouragement, logistics, and communication.

Senders play vital roles. Together with missionaries, they form the Body of Christ in action.

"We must be either the 'goer' or the 'sender.' God doesn't call people to passively sit on the sidelines." — Andrew S., Nazarene Bible College student

Acrostic: SENDERS

S — Strengthening the hands of those who go with faithful prayers and generous giving.
E — Equipping missionaries with resources to proclaim the gospel.
N — Nurturing God's kingdom growth through sacrificial support.
D — Demonstrating love for the lost by investing in their eternal hope.
E — Encouraging laborers on the field with steadfast intercession.
R — Reaching the unreached through mission partnership.
S — Sharing in the harvest by sending and sustaining those called to go.