Is it possible to go if you’re not actually sent?

Sometimes people are interested in heading to a new place as a missionary. But they may really struggle to see the value of a sending church. You could put it this way: “Why is important for me to be affiliated with and connected to a body of believers here, when I will be over there?”

Fair question. Let’s tackle it.

Missions has never been about just the individual. Since the very first missionary journey, it has been a partnership between those who go and those who send. Read about it in Acts 13:1-3.

See why we say every missionary needs a sending church.

Know someone with questions about sending churches? Share this with them!

More about Sending Churches

• Learn how Pioneers partners with churches. If you’re a church mission leader, consider coming to a Church Partner Forum.
• Read about Megan. When her church disbanded, she invested extra time and effort to develop a relationship with a new sending church rather than go without one. Then read Going to the Ends of the Earth? Bring Your Church Along!
• Pick up or download the excellent book Well Sent. Perhaps you could also share it with leaders in your church.

Think God might be nudging you to be a missionary? Talk to your church! Use the Charting Your Course worksheet to brainstorm other things you can do.

Download Worksheet