Missions is the mission of the church. God has commanded the church to “teach all nations.” We cannot be everywhere at once, so God calls some to leave where they are and go somewhere else to fulfill the great commission. We call these people “missionaries.”
The church supplies the missionaries. As we reach the lost and make disciples, God calls some of them to this special ministry. The church sends the missionaries. The Lord works through the local church to confirm His call, and missionaries are sent out of the local church.
Once the church supplies and sends the missionary, it plays the vital role of supporting the missionary. The missionary needs help from God’s people if they are going to accomplish God’s work. They need material support in the form of finances and physical resources. They need spiritual support in the form of regular, fervent prayer for their ministry and encouragement through communication and responsiveness.
We should give sacrificially to support missionaries. We should give of our money, even if it means making do with less, trusting that God will provide. We should give of our time and energy to lift missionaries up in prayer, stay in contact with them, and take opportunities to respond to their needs. And for those who support missionaries, God has given a special promise: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)