One of the greatest responsibilities God gives a local church is to send missionaries. This goes beyond writing checks—it means sending people we love. Biblically, this is one of the clearest expressions of the Great Commission.
The first example of a sending church appears in Acts 13:1–4, where the church at Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas. That moment launched what we now call the modern missionary movement. From this passage, we can see several principles that still matter today.
The Holy Spirit Coordinates the Mission
Acts 13 makes one thing clear: missions begins with the Holy Spirit. He is the One who calls, directs, and empowers missionaries. Reaching the world with the Gospel was never a human strategy—it started in the heart of God.
The Holy Spirit still calls people today, often the most faithful and capable members of a church. Letting them go can be hard. But God does not leave gaps in ministry—He fills them. The same Spirit who sends missionaries also raises up new leaders at home.
The Local Church Still Matters
While the Holy Spirit directs missions, the local church plays a central role. No organization has more influence or authority over a missionary than their sending church.
At Baptist International Missions, Inc., this principle is foundational. Missions agencies assist, but they do not replace the church. The sending church carries both a privilege and a responsibility.
Four Responsibilities of a Sending Church (Acts 13)
1. Recognize the Call
Church leaders must stay spiritually alert through prayer and fasting. In Acts 13, the church recognized God’s call on Paul and Barnabas because they were actively seeking God. When churches stop listening, future missionaries can be overlooked. According to Matthew 9:38, we are commanded to pray that more laborers will be raised up from our congregations.
2. Identify with the Work
The laying on of hands symbolized identification and support. Throughout Scripture, this act showed unity and commitment. When a church commissions a missionary, it publicly says, “We are in this together.”
3. Release Them Fully
The Antioch church released Paul and Barnabas from local responsibilities so they could focus entirely on their calling. Missionaries are most effective when they are not forced to balance two full-time ministries at once. Once a missionary begins raising support, this should become a full-time job as quickly as possible.
4. Support Them Faithfully
As missionaries depart for the field, their sending church must remain actively involved through consistent communication, encouragement, accountability, prayer, and financial support. Missionaries should know that their home church stands firmly behind them as their strongest partner. Ongoing helps during furlough reminds missionaries that they are not alone in the work God has called them to do. A wise sending church works closely with the chosen missions agency to maximize success.
Practical Ways a Church Can Support Missionaries
Sending churches can help missionaries succeed by providing support such as:
• Funding survey trips or special training
• Paying for required medical examinations and testing
• Covering deputation tools (printing, media, displays)
• Offering housing, office space, and cell phone access
• Providing a vehicle and auto/health insurance on deputation
• Actively helping schedule deputation meetings
• Maintaining consistent communication and encouragement
Not every church can do everything—but every church can do something. Missionaries who are strongly supported by their sending church are more effective both on deputation and on the field.
Final Encouragement
The Great Commission is not unrealistic or outdated. God has already provided the people and the resources. The question is whether churches are willing to pray, listen, and send.
Let’s commit to raising up missionaries from within our churches—and standing with them every step of the way.
Jason & Mary Ritchie