The Bible is clear about the importance of spreading the gospel and supporting those who dedicate their lives to this mission. Missionaries serve as God’s hands and feet, carrying His Word to all nations. As believers, we are called to encourage, pray for, and provide for those who take on this sacred task. Here are key themes from the Bible about supporting missionaries, along with relevant scriptures.
Also Read: Bible Verses For Missionaries
God Calls Us to Support Those Who Preach the Gospel
Missionaries play a vital role in fulfilling the Great Commission. God’s Word encourages us to stand with them, providing the resources and encouragement they need to continue their work. Supporting missionaries is an act of obedience and partnership in spreading the Good News.
Romans 10:15
“And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!'”
Philippians 4:16-17
“Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.”
3 John 1:5-8
“Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you.”
1 Corinthians 9:14
“In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.”
Galatians 6:6
“Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.”
Praying for Missionaries is a Powerful Act
Missionaries face spiritual, emotional, and physical challenges as they spread the gospel. The Bible teaches us to support them through prayer, asking God to strengthen, guide, and protect them in their mission.
2 Thessalonians 3:1
“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you.”
Colossians 4:3
“Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ.”
Matthew 9:37-38
“He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.'”
Ephesians 6:19-20
“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.”
Acts 13:2-3
“One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.'”
Generosity Enables Missionary Work
Financial and material support allow missionaries to travel, provide for their families, and share the gospel effectively. Scripture encourages us to be generous, trusting God to provide as we give.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.'”
Proverbs 11:25
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Luke 6:38
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.”
Acts 20:35
“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
Hebrews 13:16
“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”
Missionaries Are Sent by God
God is the one who calls and equips missionaries for their work. Throughout the Bible, we see how He commissions people to take His message to the world, and He provides for their needs.
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?’ I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.'”
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
John 20:21
“Again he said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.'”
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere.”
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Missionary Work
Encouragement Strengthens Missionaries
Missionaries often face loneliness, opposition, and challenges in their work. The Bible urges us to encourage them so they remain strong in their faith and mission.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.”
Joshua 1:9
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Philippians 1:6
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Missionaries Rely on God’s Provision
God is the ultimate provider for missionaries. While human support is important, missionaries place their trust in God’s provision for their needs.
Matthew 6:31-33
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.”
Philippians 4:19
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”
Luke 12:24
“Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!”
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
Supporting Missionaries Leads to Eternal Rewards
When we support missionaries, we take part in God’s work, and He promises rewards for those who faithfully invest in His kingdom.
Matthew 25:40
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”
1 Corinthians 3:8
“The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.”
Hebrews 6:10
“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me.”
Revelation 22:12
“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.”