Missionaries are often sent to dangerous or difficult areas, and their work is often taxing and challenging. Many missionaries face circumstances that can be emotionally and physically draining. Some missionaries may not feel supported or appreciated by their home church, which can lead to discouragement. Additionally, some missionaries may think that they are not making a difference in the places they are serving, which can also lead to discouragement. These factors can contribute to the high attrition rate of missionaries, and missionary care can help alleviate it.
A MISSIONARY CARE TEAM IS VITAL TO YOUR CHURCH
Missionary care teams should be a vital part of any church with missionaries out in the field. They are made up of people who have a heart for missionaries and who want to provide support (not just financial) to them in anyway possible. The care team's purpose is to come alongside the missionary and offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support. They do this by praying for the missionary, sending cards and letters, continually communicating, occasionally visiting the missionary in person, and much more. Care teams are a great way to show your support for missionaries and be a part of their ministry.
A MISSIONARY CARE TEAM IS VITAL TO YOUR CHURCH
Missionary care teams should be a vital part of any church with missionaries out in the field. They are made up of people who have a heart for missionaries and who want to provide support (not just financial) to them in anyway possible. The care team's purpose is to come alongside the missionary and offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support. They do this by praying for the missionary, sending cards and letters, continually communicating, occasionally visiting the missionary in person, and much more. Care teams are a great way to show your support for missionaries and be a part of their ministry.
As I have pointed out, missionaries deal with so many issues that most Christians are oblivious to: setting up a new life in a foreign land, dealing with culture shock, tension due to high stress; trying to figure out how to live daily in their new environment, and the stress of trying to perform for their supporters. In many cases, the pressures that they deal with are dealt with alone or maybe with their spouse. They don't feel as if they can talk to anyone for fear of losing support or that some may see them in a negative light.
THE ARE BENEFITS WHEN YOU HAVE A MISSIONARY CARE TEAM
When a missionary is properly cared for by their home church, they feel valued and appreciated. They have a team of people who care for them, and they are not distant people off in a foreign land that is periodically thought of. Most missionaries want collaboration and feel like they are part of something greater. I always encourage churches not just to send money but to indeed do their work through the missionary. When missionaries are connected with a vision greater than themselves, it empowers them and gives them hope. It truly becomes a partnership in the Kingdom of God instead of the missionary feeling like they are just another program of the church. Think of the times when someone has followed up on you to ensure you are OK or surprised you with a special gift; think of how that made you feel. I'm sure it lifted your spirits and level of hope. You were very appreciative, and it made you feel connected. It's the same way for the missionary.
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR A CARE TEAM
THE ARE BENEFITS WHEN YOU HAVE A MISSIONARY CARE TEAM
When a missionary is properly cared for by their home church, they feel valued and appreciated. They have a team of people who care for them, and they are not distant people off in a foreign land that is periodically thought of. Most missionaries want collaboration and feel like they are part of something greater. I always encourage churches not just to send money but to indeed do their work through the missionary. When missionaries are connected with a vision greater than themselves, it empowers them and gives them hope. It truly becomes a partnership in the Kingdom of God instead of the missionary feeling like they are just another program of the church. Think of the times when someone has followed up on you to ensure you are OK or surprised you with a special gift; think of how that made you feel. I'm sure it lifted your spirits and level of hope. You were very appreciative, and it made you feel connected. It's the same way for the missionary.
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR A CARE TEAM
Above are some ideas to consider, but many things can be done for the missionaries in your church. Several websites, books, and ministries specialize in missionary care. Praying to God and asking him to give you the heart to reach out to your missionaries is the right start. Then, it's a matter of having the Holy Spirit lead you. Here is one book, Mind the Gaps, I highly recommend to start with. It's an incredible foundational book to build upon. You can get a copy at Amazon.
CONCLUSION
Care teams are a vital part of helping reduce the attrition rate of missionaries, and they provide many benefits to both the missionaries and the church. Missionary attrition rates are too high; unfortunately, this equates to lost manpower in the field and at home, wasted finances, potentially a damaged image in the mission community, and sadly, in some cases, damaged lives of the missionaries. We as the Body of Christ can do better, and we should. I always say missions is not another program; it should be the fabric of your church. When you begin to take ownership of your work through your missionary, you will see a beautiful partnership take place while witnessing the Kingdom of God expanding in the foreign land.
Shawn Paul
Mission Director
MorningStar Missions
502-509-3607 USA#
shawn@morningstarmissions.org
CHECK OUT OUR MISSION TRAINING VIDEOS
MISSIONS ON YOUR HEART?
If you are a ministry, minister, or person of God that wants to dive deeper into missions but don't know how that looks for you, feel free to contact me. I would love to explore your heart and see where God leads you. I can share with you all the avenues that I am aware of in the hopes of connecting and plugging you into the right place that God has for you in the world of missions. Reaching lives for Jesus Christ in the international fields requires thoughtful planning. There is a mission pipeline sort of speak that needs to be built out specifically for you. I can help you do that.
Mission Director
MorningStar Missions
502-509-3607 USA#
shawn@morningstarmissions.org
CHECK OUT OUR MISSION TRAINING VIDEOS
MISSIONS ON YOUR HEART?
If you are a ministry, minister, or person of God that wants to dive deeper into missions but don't know how that looks for you, feel free to contact me. I would love to explore your heart and see where God leads you. I can share with you all the avenues that I am aware of in the hopes of connecting and plugging you into the right place that God has for you in the world of missions. Reaching lives for Jesus Christ in the international fields requires thoughtful planning. There is a mission pipeline sort of speak that needs to be built out specifically for you. I can help you do that.
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