What Is a Christian Missionary?
What is a Christian missionary? While the term “missionary” isn’t explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its essence is deeply rooted in scripture. Christian missionaries are essentially servants who have dedicated themselves to God’s will, often at the cost of personal comfort and pride. These servants respond to the call of Jesus in the Great Commission to spread the Gospel to all peoples, in every tribe, tongue and nation, as seen in Matthew 28:19–20 and Revelation 7:9.
Missionaries serve in diverse capacities, from medical missions to business ventures and orphan care, each approach tailored to share the Good News effectively across different cultures and communities.[1]
The role and activities of missionaries is broad and diverse which also change overtime, especially when it comes to long-term mission commitment. Just a few ways they may serve are:
Humanitarian aid ― Missionaries demonstrate the compassion and love of Christ by responding to the needs of those caught in the throes of suffering, poverty, natural calamities, or war, by providing essential aid and relief in the form of food and shelter amongst other necessities.
Education ― They pioneer educational initiatives, setting up schools and literacy programs that cater specifically to the unique educational needs of each community they serve.
Healthcare ― In many underserved regions, missionaries are often involved in establishing medical facilities, distribute necessary supplies, and educate on health practices, significantly enhancing access to healthcare where it’s scarce.
Advocacy ― Their missionary work includes championing and advocating for human rights, promoting dignity, and striving for equality for all people.[2]
In addition to the above, GFA World’s national missionaries serve those around them by providing clean water through Jesus Wells, winter clothing and blankets and income-generating gifts like farm animals, sewing machines and vocational training. These gifts, which sponsors around the world fund and the missionaries organize and distribute, give families and communities a critical tool in overcoming the cycle of poverty, showing God’s love in a practical and meaningful way.[3]
You can help our national missionaries in Africa and Asia by sponsoring a missionary with GFA World. For just $30 a month, you help enable men and women to share the Good News in areas that may be restricted to outsiders, and you equip the missionaries with the resources they need to show Christ’s love to those around them. One sponsor said, “Since we can’t directly be God’s hands and feet in Asia, we want to help equip those who are.”[4] Consider partnering with us as we train and send out Christian missionaries; they need our help and our prayers to continue to serve those who need it the most.
[1] “What is a Missionary? The Biblical Answer.” Christian Questions. Rimi. Just Disciple. Accessed November 27, 2024. https://justdisciple.com/christian-missionary.
[2] Koering, Jeremy. “What do Christian missionaries do?” Nations Outreach. March 8, 2024. https://nationsoutreach.org/stories/what-do-christian-missionaries-do.
[3] “Christmas 2024 Gift Catalog.” GFA World. Accessed November 27, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/gift.
[4] “National Missionaries: Sponsor a National Missionary.” GFA World. Accessed November 27, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor.