Missionary work is a vital aspect of Christian ministry, reflecting the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ to His disciples. Ministers engaged in missionary work are tasked with spreading the Gospel, establishing churches, and nurturing new believers. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to this calling.

Biblical Foundation

The call to support missionary work is rooted in Scripture. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently acknowledges the support he received from various churches and individuals during his missionary journeys. In Philippians 4:16-18 , Paul writes, "For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs once and again. Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. I have received everything in full and have an abundance. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God."

This passage highlights the reciprocal relationship between missionaries and the church body. The support given to missionaries is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual investment that yields eternal rewards.

Principles of Support

1. Prayer: The most fundamental form of support is prayer. In 2 Thessalonians 3:1 , Paul requests, "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you." Prayer empowers missionaries, provides spiritual protection, and opens doors for the Gospel.

2. Financial Support: Financial contributions are essential for sustaining missionary efforts. In 1 Corinthians 9:14 , Paul states, "In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel." This directive underscores the responsibility of the church to ensure that missionaries have the necessary resources to carry out their work.

3. Hospitality and Encouragement: Offering hospitality and encouragement to missionaries is another vital form of support. In 3 John 1:5-8 , the apostle commends Gaius for his hospitality: "Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you. They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God."

4. Partnership in Ministry: Supporting missionaries involves a partnership in ministry. Philippians 1:5 speaks of the "partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." This partnership implies active involvement, whether through direct participation in mission trips, providing logistical support, or engaging in local outreach efforts that align with the missionary's goals.

Examples from Scripture

The early church provides numerous examples of aiding those engaged in missionary work. The church in Antioch, for instance, played a pivotal role in the missionary journeys of Paul and Barnabas. Acts 13:2-3 records, "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off."

Additionally, the Macedonian churches are noted for their generosity despite their own poverty. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 , Paul writes, "And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability."

Conclusion

The biblical mandate to aid those engaged in missionary work is clear and compelling. Through prayer, financial support, hospitality, and partnership, believers are called to actively participate in the global mission of the church. This support not only sustains missionaries but also advances the Kingdom of God, fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.Romans 16:1,2
I commend to you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 11:9
And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brothers which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so will I keep myself.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

3 John 1:5-8
Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do to the brothers, and to strangers;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Missionary in India.
... same station are much more closely associated than ministers at the ... Again and again
my work would have been at a ... and strength than that of a missionary in many ...
/.../chapter xxiv the missionary in.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... Paul's work contains an important lesson for ministers today ... apostle made it a part
of his work to educate ... He took them with him on his missionary journeys, and ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

Church Union.
... and still the only English Presbyterian missionary at Amoy ... Amoy, giving the history
of their work there, of ... a matter of course that ministers, receiving their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/viii church union.htm

The General Conference of 1836
... the earnest and repeated solicitations of the ministers and members ... generation, and
to carry forward the work of God by means of missionary operations to ...
/.../chapter 13 the general conference.htm

How Churches Can Help Ministers.
... why such small success attends the labors of their ministers. ... come and ask aid from
the Home Missionary Society! ... on the Gospel armor, and come up to the work. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xiii how churches can.htm

Church Union (Continued).
... both belong to an association of ministers in New ... whatever combinations they may
choose, and aid in creating ... to the interests of all the missionary work of all ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/ix church union continued.htm

The Daily Walk with Others (ii. ).
... if we are to live as true Ministers and true ... Him, to give each other always mutual
aid towards a ... rest for ever, early called away from heroic Missionary work. ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter v the daily walk.htm

Hindrances to Revivals.
... own church, do not even read the Missionary Herald, or ... When will those ministers
and professors of religion who do ... let others alone, and let them work for God? ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xv hindrances to revivals.htm

A Liberal Church
... meet the calls for assistance in missionary enterprises, it ... A solemn responsibility
rests upon ministers to keep before ... others, not only does the work of the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

Carey as an Educator --The First Christian College in the East
... be greatly augmented, before the work of evangelising ... which may consolidate the
missionary enterprise, and ... an educational system, native ministers, who must ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiv carey as an.htm

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