What Is the Role of Christian Missionaries?
As with any ministry, it can be difficult to definitively outline the role of Christian missionaries as they do all kinds of things, but there are a few specific roles that can be identified:
- Sharing the Good News of Jesus ― Missionaries share the love of God that they have experienced with others, including those who may have never heard about it before.
- Providing humanitarian aid ― Missionaries can show Christ’s love in practical ways by addressing pressing physical needs like poverty, healthcare and disaster relief. This uplifts whole communities, providing hope and opportunity.
- Education and training ― Missionaries establish schools and literacy programs, teaching practical skills that allow people to improve their lives and create a brighter future for themselves.
- Medical services ― Some missionaries provide healthcare services, like medical clinics, working to improve access to healthcare, provide medical treatment and supplies and promote health education and awareness.[1]
To accomplish each of these roles effectively, missionaries need to be culturally sensitive, understanding and respecting the traditions, beliefs and practices of the people they serve. They must also build relationships, establishing trust, listening and discerning the specific needs of the community.[2]
GFA World’s national missionaries are uniquely qualified in these two areas. Our national missionaries have grown up in the culture that they serve, instinctively knowing the taboos, eating the same food, wearing the same clothes, and sharing the same cultural interests as the local people.[3] Because they live among the people, our national missionaries are sensitive to the needs around them, and the Lord shows them specific ways they can tangibly express His love and concern for the people. This can take the form of providing clean water through a Jesus Well, supplying income-generating gifts and more.[4]
GFA Pastor Belden is just one example of this understanding and sensitivity. He served an area where people lived in bamboo houses that did little to shield them from the biting winter winds. The pastor would visit the people of the village, sharing God’s love or an encouraging word, so he saw the struggles of the people firsthand. One day, he invited several villagers to a gift distribution where he passed out dozens of warm blankets. This gift would help stave off the pain and sickness of winter in the village. Pastor Belden understood what the people needed and was able to provide it, no matter the status of the recipient.[5]
Consider helping GFA World support Christian missionaries like Pastor Belden. It takes just $30 a month to enable national missionaries to serve full time and share the hope and love that can only be found in Christ.[6]
Learn more about how to support Christian missionaries through GFA World[1] “Understanding Christian Mission Work: The Role and Responsibilities of Missionaries.” Jesus Film Project. June 20, 2023. https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog/what-do-christian-missionaries-do.
[2] Ibid.
[3] “National Missionaries: Sponsor a National Missionary.” GFA World. Accessed December 3, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor.
[4] “National Missionaries: About National Missionaries.” GFA World. Accessed December 3, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/why-national-missionaries.
[5] “Widow Receives Unexpected Gift of Warmth.” GFA World. December 14, 2020. https://gospelforasia-reports.org/2020/12/widow-receives-unexpected-gift-warmth.
[6] “National Missionaries: Sponsor a National Missionary. GFA World. Accessed December 3, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor.