Giving to Missions and Missionaries
1- Definition: There is a department of missions in a church, according to activities in that church. The primary responsibility of this department is to support ministries for reaching the lost for Christ; it may be a community outreach, supporting a full-time worker, or other fundamental ministries in another State or country.
There are Missionary organizations that are Non-Profit Para-Church Organizations with a home base address. Their primary responsibilities are to accept and have a home address for missionaries, serves as a clearing house or agent for funds sent to missionaries by donors, and to look after the welfare of such missionaries while they are on the field. A Missionary is one who is called by God for the work of the ministry in reaching the lost for Christ, and teaching His word for building up in the faith. He is one who is recognized by the local church or assembly as having been called by God, and is commended to the work to which he has been called. Acts. 13.1-5.
2- How are the Missions and Missionaries Supported:
(a) The department of a church-based mission sends funds to missions and missionaries as directed by the church and executed by the treasurer of the church or assembly.
(b) The Missions and Missionaries are supported by individual Christians who consider their needs and know that these needs are met by prayer and financial support. Christians should look to this as a responsibility and a privilege to be part of such ministries, and should not think that others should give support but not themselves.
3- Before giving support to Missions and Missionaries one should know that the ministry is doctrinally sound and Christ exalting. Titus 1: 9. If in doubt ask the leadership of the church or other godly men.
The Mission or Missionary is fully committed to the salvation of souls: and the teaching of the scriptures Romans 1:14-15. We give out a heart of love and not grudgingly 2nd Cor.9: 7, 1st Peter 4:9. And we should consider that God has given us the opportunity to support such Missions or Missionaries now Gal. 6:10.
However there are times when a Missionary may generate some of his support by his own hands according to circumstances, skills or profession. Acts. 20:34.