Caring for missionaries is Essential.

In a world that is becoming more ambivalent or even hostile to those who proclaim the name of Christ, it is not surprising to find troubling statistics about missionaries burning out or leaving the field before they intended:

An estimated 12,000 missionaries leave the field each year — about 71% of them leave for *preventable reasons (*factors that could have been mitigated through comprehensive training and preparation, better support structures, adequate resources, etc.).
Almost half of all missionaries (47%) leave the field within the first five years.
It takes a great deal of resources to launch a missionary or missionary family successfully. Effective stewardship of limited resources is undermined when missionaries leave the field prematurely.

Role of Sending Churches:

We believe sending churches have a substantial role in coming alongside GMI to combat these trends and help our missionaries survive and thrive on the mission field. While an emphasis has been placed on promoting the financial needs of missionaries and churches have been encouraged to pray for them regularly, we believe the local church’s efforts to “minister” to our worldwide team members would be significantly enhanced by organizing and promoting church-wide team member care ministries. We encourage the local church to make this ministry an ongoing part of their overall missions outreach.

Purpose of a Missionary Care Team:

To nurture and support your missionaries and their efforts to fulfill God’s call for their lives.

How can this be accomplished?

Establish a Missionary Care Team in your church to:

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Understand

Seek to understand and meet their needs (physical, spiritual, emotional, and financial) through:

Communication — ask your missionaries what they like/need; develop deeper relationships with your missionaries through frequent contact and interaction
Prayer — stay informed and pray for the specific needs/concerns they share
Networking — connect them with other individuals or organizations who can help meet their needs and provide support or resources
Support — be alert to situations or issues in their family life and/or ministry, where you can come alongside them to listen, provide support, and offer practical assistance and resources

Provide ongoing encouragement and communicate your care for your missionaries through:

Visits (at least once per term) – The goal is to develop or enhance your relationship with your missionaries as you experience what they do and where they do it. Visits should be at least 3 – 5 days and include a time of spiritual encouragement for both adults and children, as well as time for fellowship, recreation, and rest
Email — Email is an easy and convenient way to stay in touch with missionaries. Regular communication will help you be aware of needs and new developments in their ministry, family, or health. Sharing positive “news” from home that they wouldn’t otherwise be aware of will help them feel connected and part of your congregation
Send birthday and anniversary greetings
WhatsApp/FaceTime/Zoom calls — periodically schedule video calls to provide real-time face-to-face interaction and fellowship

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Encourage

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Strengthen

Strengthen the bond between missionaries and your congregation through:

Care team members maintaining regular contact with missionaries and their families
Prayer letter distribution — share your missionary’s prayer letters with your entire congregation
US Assignment support — Stay updated on when they will be in the United States for their US assignment and assist with needs such as housing and transportation. Sending churches can provide practical support through stocking their pantry, providing a vehicle for their use, meeting them at the airport, and giving them time to adapt, adjust, and unwind. Your care team can also help them find medical and dental care, help their kids connect with other kids their age, provide childcare, send couples on a “date” night, listen to them, and provide opportunities for others to hear their story
Updates from your church — include your missionaries when emails and other digital communications are shared with your congregation
Video interviews — meet with your missionary family in real time with your congregation or a smaller group so they can share about life and ministry on the field. Encourage or even help them to compile videos which you can share on a Sunday morning or through digital communication with your congregation