Missionary Sending and Support

This page has been designed to assist you in sending and supporting your missionary as a local church. 


The example of scripture gives us a clear picture of some of the components of sending and supporting a missionary.  As an example, Philippians 4 is a snapshot of the relationship between a missionary and a church engaged in effective support. Phrases such as "ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction," "ye sent once and again unto my necessity," "I am full, having received....the things which were sent from you."  This is the relationship HarvestCall desires to establish between a missionary and their sending church.  One of mutual calling and mutual blessing.  One in which the conclusion is, "Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.......an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God." 

For support roles in the church

Description and Resources

A support team is a group of brothers and sisters from the sending church who meet regularly to cooridinate care for their missionary.  The resources at this link are for the formation and ongoing sustainabilty of this team in providing care.

RESOURCES

List of tools and supports

A mentor is a brother or sister who has been identified to maintain regular, deeper connection with the missionary.  This role is designed to support in deeper, personal and interpersonal issues.  This role is done with the support of the sending church leader.

MENTOR RESOURCES

Resources and Support

The local church leader (the elder or a designee by the elder) has ongoing responsiblities in sending and support.  This tab contains resources so support leadership in their responsibilities.

RESOURCES


For the church in general

Description and Resources

Sending and supporting is done by the entire church and everyone can do their part.  This information is for anyone who wants to understand how to better connect and care for their missionary.

Resources and Ideas

Resources and Encouragements

The information included at this link is to encourage the church in prayer for their missionary.  These resources can be used by individuals or by groups.

Prayer Ideas

Resources and Support

When a missionary is visiting their passport country, it often comes with a unique set of opportunities, needs, and challenges.  Here are some resources to assist in providing relevant care.

Resources

Support Team Resources

The primary coordination and leadership for the support of the missionary is done by the support team.  While there are other specific roles for specific needs, the support team is tasked with ensuring the care is coordinated and consistent. The following resources will assist in the formation and sustainability of the support team. 

  • What is a support team?

    The support team is a group of brothers and/or sisters committed to meeting regularly (at least 1x/month) to pray for and coordinate care for their missionary.  

  • Is there document that summarizes the support team role?

    Yes, you can find the support team role description by clicking on this link.

Information for Support Teams

Mentor Resources

Mentor Resources  Notes
Mentor transition journal.pdf A tool for establishing or re-establishing a mentor relationship through a transition
Individual Growth Plan guide.docx A tool for self-assessment and the development of an accountability plan
Levels of Missionary Care.pdf A document outlining the types and roles of missionary care
Mentor Assessment Tool A set of scales outlining expectations for mentoring, can be used for assessment
Accountability Questions.pdf A list of questions to ask your missionary
35 Questions to Ask your Missionaries.pdf Another list of questions for your missionary
Personal Growth Mentoring Questionnaire.pdf A document designed for assessment of the missionary and their mentor supports
12 Missionary Stressors.pdf A document of common stresses and questions
Emotionally Healthy assessment 7.17.pdf An assessment by Pete Scazerro for assessing emotional health
Mentoring Constellation - Relationships Activity for identifying supporting relationships around a missionary
Conflict Resolution.pdf A worksheet from Lois Martin (ReachGlobal) for discussing and working through conflict
Spiritual Health Checkup.pdf A worksheet from Lois Martin (ReachGlobal) designed as an assessment list of questions
Spiritual Vitality Worksheet.pdf A worksheet from Lois Martin (ReachGlobal) for developing a plan towards spiritual vitality
Personal Reflection and Planning.pdf A worksheet from Lois Martin (ReachGlobal) of open ended questions regarding spiritual growth
Principles of Good Listening.pdf A document from Lois Martin (ReachGlobal) on good listening skills
Personal Purpose Statement.pdf A worksheet from Lois Martin (ReachGlobal) on developing a personal purpose statement
Missionary Mentor Role Description.pdf Mentor Job Description
25 Things They Dont tell you.pdf A funny list of realities of serving on the field
50 good mental health habits.pdf A helpful list for brainstorming encouragements for your missionary

Connect/Care Resources



This section has ideas for anyone who want to connect/care for their missionary.  The general recommendation for staying connected with your missionary is to be consistent and simple.  The tendency may be to overthink the ways to engage and when to engage.  The support team can assist you in understanding what works best.

  • Sending a Care Package

    To send a care package, check with the missionaries support team.  Care packages are generally appreciated, but there are things that you should know regarding how to pack it, the best way to send it, and how to make sure it is a blessing to the missionary.  Here is an article online talking about ideas for care packages.

  • Communication

    We live in a very connected world.  An email or text is both simple and effective in connecting with someone.  Check out the missionaries "Support Card," if they have their information listed on that card, you can contact them in that manner.  While they may not be able to enagage in a long dialogue, often a scripture or encouragement can go a long way.

  • Prayer

    Often, missioanries compile prayer requests with their support team.  It is appropriate for you to ask someone on the support team whether there are requests that you could pray for.  While some may be private, often your desire to support in prayer will be appreciated.

  • Ideas for the kids

    For missionary families, it is often important not just to remember the parents, but to remember the kids.  This can be done a number of ways.

    1. Write them for their birthdays
    2. Send a mini care package
    3. Gather cares from their SS class
    4. Send them a childrens resource you love
    5. Record a short video of yourself or something they would find interesting

Prayer Resources

The following list is of resources for how you can pray for your missionary.

  1. Here is a list of all of HarvestCall's missionaries with some prayer encouragement included
  2. Gather a small group at church 1x/month to pray together
  3. Start a group text thread to pray for  your missionary, sharing encouragments and topics
  4. Seven ways to pray for missionaries article
  5. Sixteen ways to pray for your missionaries article
  6. PDF from Send International on praying through the week

Home Visit Resources

There are many times during a missionaries service that they are visiting back "home."  But, in many ways, it may no longer be "home."  There are often unique needs during home visits.  It is helpful for the church to be aware of possible ways to support during this time.  While everyone is different, there may be some questions to ask or things to be aware of when considering your missionary's home visit.

  1. An article from TEAM on supporting during home visit
  2. A brochure from missionarycare.com
  3. An extensive resource from Barnabas International - generally for longer home visits