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TL;DR
Global evangelism depends not only on those who go but also on those who send. Romans 10:15 and 3 John 7–8 both speak of the need for “senders” — individuals and churches who support missionaries. R. A. Torrey emphasized that prayer from home can be as vital as the missionary’s fieldwork. Being a sender challenges the idea that involvement in global missions is only for those who travel abroad.
People often think they can only participate in global evangelism by flying to another country. They are mistaken. “Going” is only one form of involvement in missions. Those who leave home to become career missionaries need a cadre of consecrated and zealous supporters back home.
“Each link matters—the plan, the funding, the people, the prayer, and the place.
No single element stands alone. All work together to fulfill the Great Commission.”
— R.C., Nazarene Bible College student
Steven Hawthorne, in Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, wrote a chapter titled “Senders” about those who support the “goers.” Hawthorne, who grew up in a Nazarene parsonage, noted that the Apostle Paul may have been thinking of human senders as well as God when he rhetorically asked, “How can they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:15).
The Apostle John clearly encouraged Christians to support those engaged in missionary work. The Amplified Bible renders verses 7 and 8 in Third John: “For these [traveling missionaries] went out for the sake of the Name [of Christ]. . . . So we ought to support such people [welcoming them as guests and providing for them]. . . .”
Third John and Paul's letter to the Romans (15:241) speak of emotional and material support. Money is needed in world evangelism, but senders must do more than give. Paul often requested prayer for his ministry (see Romans 15:30; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:19–20; Philippians 1:19; Colossians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1–2; Philemon 1:22).
R. A. Torrey, the first superintendent of Moody Bible Institute, believed that prayer support was even more important than financial support. He wrote: “The man or woman at home who prays often has as much to do with the effectiveness of the missionary on the field . . . as the missionary.”
Senders contribute in many ways: updating missions bulletin boards, sending equipment, and more. People with a variety of gifts can contribute to missionary work.
"A church that doesn't send out is a church in danger of disappearing." – M.G., European Nazarene College student
Here are six areas where senders can support missionaries:
Senders sometimes adjust their lifestyles to pray more, serve more, and give more. Be a responsible sender. Impact the “ends of the earth” from your doorstep.
— Howard Culbertson, hculbert@snu.edu
"Senders must be purposeful and prayerful regarding the person in the field and the people in the culture receiving the missionary." — Steven G., Nazarene Bible College student
1"When I go to Spain, I hope to... have you assist me on my journey there." — Romans 15:24
This article is part of the "Mission Briefing" series published in Engage magazine.
In world missions, a “sender” is an individual, church, or organization that supports missionaries through finances, prayer, encouragement, logistical assistance, and communication.
Senders play vital roles. Together with missionaries, they participate in the work of the Body of Christ.
"We must be either the 'goer' or the 'sender.' God doesn't call people to passively sit on the sidelines." — Andrew S., Nazarene Bible College student
S — Strengthening the hands of those who go with faithful prayers and generous giving.
E — Equipping missionaries with resources to proclaim the gospel.
N — Nurturing God's kingdom growth through sacrificial support.
D — Demonstrating Christ's love by investing in the eternal well-being of others.
E — Encouraging laborers on the field with steadfast intercession.
R — Reaching the unreached through partnership in global mission efforts.
S — Sharing in the harvest by sending and sustaining those called to go.
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