I’ve designed this series of articles to help churches gain a new perspective on missionary support. Previous articles have discussed: 1) deputation and the Bible and 2) the church’s decision to invite and support missionaries. In this article, I focus on the challenges and benefits of deputation.

Why Is It So Difficult to Raise Support?

Does it seem like some missionaries are a bit too fixated on funds? For just a moment, try to empathize with their plight. Many missionaries today feel “rutted” in traditions (not of their making) that require them to market their burdens–to “sell” their chosen people-group as more needy, lost, and forgotten than the next people-group in line. It’s a long process, and while deputation can involve ministry, missionaries must delay their burdens–sometimes for years!–until they can convince enough strangers that they’re trained and burdened enough to reach the lost for God. We sometimes feel like slaves to a process not easily fixed. The following are just a few reasons why support-raising is so difficult.

Reason #1: Rising Costs.

Everyone faces cost-of-living fluctuations, yet some expect missionaries to maintain a lower standard of living simply because “they’re missionaries” who live in a foreign land. Others don’t understand why missionaries must budget for retirement, insurance, travel expenses, and education. Empathize with them: Missionaries aren’t called to be “poor” simply because they’re missionaries. They already sacrifice on so many levels! The financial burdens of exchange rates, inflation, and travel-that’s-definitely-not-vacation impact them regularly. They discuss funds neither out of greed nor distrust in God. They seek your participation in the gospel (Phil 1:5) because that’s how missions is done.

Reason 2: Financial Limitations.

Many churches can’t financially support another missionary. While possibly more the fault of tradition than of the local church’s giving, the fact remains: many churches are stretched too thin. When they can give, they often start with lower amounts, meaning missionaries must find dozens of supporters, lengthening even more their deputation process. While you “pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest” (Matt. 9:38), pray for His supply as well.

Reason 3: Materialism.

Materialism has infiltrated the church. “Needs” and “Wants” have become indistinguishable. While many Christians expect missionaries (and pastors!) to exemplify contentment and sacrifice, they hesitate to pursue these virtues themselves. At base, it’s a failure to live with eternity in view. What would happen if a Christian cut out coffee shops or ad-free streaming for year, choosing to give those funds to missions instead?

Reason #4: Competition.

Local churches are already invested in camps, evangelistic ministries, educational institutions, etc. Many such ministries send professional, salaried salesman to market their needs! When a simple missionary arrives to share his burden, he often seems awkward in contrast. Table your comparisons for a moment and try to gain God’s vision on this ministry.

What are the Challenges of Deputation?

Deputation has both its challenges and its benefits, but we’ll save the positive for last. Apart from the obvious struggle of asking people for money, missionaries face other challenges as well.

Challenge #1: Building Fast Relationships.

Missionaries most easily raise support from churches who know them. Oftentimes, though, they must make cold calls (the worst!) and visit new churches for only a few hours, never allowing them time to build foundational relationships. You can help missionaries by introducing them to other churches and families.

Challenge #2: Church Attendance.

Missionaries attend church—sometimes up to three different churches per week! Yet deputation often prevents them from getting involved in their own, something especially hard on kids. Missionaries visiting new churches often repeat their presentations and sermons. “Church” soon becomes boring to the family, especially when cringing through dad’s bad jokes.

Challenge #3: Weariness. 

Constant travel takes its toll on a family and vehicle. Far from “vacation” that people might suppose, deputation means you’re full-time guests regularly eating special meals and potlucks. Might sound like a dream gig, but it’s not. Every host deserves attention. Every meal is special. Every bed is unfamiliar. Smiles get forced. Sleep gets less. Intimacy gets unreasonable. From my own personal experience, the only easy thing about deputation was gaining weight.

What are the Benefits of Deputation?

I don’t want this article to be all negative! Benefits like these can counteract all those challenges.

Benefit #1: New Experiences.

Deputation allows missionary family to broaden their horizons. They visit like-faith churches and camps they never knew existed. They make new acquaintances. They even take advantage of downtime by seeing parts of the country they might otherwise never get a chance to see.

Benefit #2: Prayer Support.

Deputation allows missionaries to build a broad prayer network. Each new set of e-mail addresses added to their prayer letter means more people lifting up their specific requests to the Father. It’s a constant encouragement.

Benefit #3: Trust in God.

Deputation teaches missionaries the truth of Philippians 4:19, that “my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus.” This is true not only because they become more dependent on God and shocked at his miracles through the generosity of his saints, but also because they quickly learn to distinguish true needs from mere wants.

Benefit #4: Inspiring Others.

Deputation gives missionaries the chance to share their testimonies of salvation and of how God then led them to their mission field—they’re thrilled to inspire others to experience the same.

Conclusion

Understanding the challenges and benefits of deputation can help you better host, support, encourage, and pray for missionaries. Which of these challenges or benefits seem surprising? What else might you add? The remaining articles will offer many practical ways you can bless your missionary guests.

Photo Credit: Sarah b on unsplash.