As a young boy, I was always intrigued by the missionaries who visited our church. Their stories made missions seem like such an exciting life! But I never truly understood the sacrifices they made and challenges they faced until my own family entered the mission field.
After ten years in youth ministry, God called us into missions. He gave us the privilege of serving in the beautiful country of Spain for 23 years with ABWE—nineteen and a half of those in the province of Madrid. Since returning stateside, I’ve served as a Connections Pastor, and for the last three years, I’ve also overseen our church’s missons ministry.
Having been on both sides of the desk—missionary and pastor—I’ve seen the joys and hardships of each role. My hope is to offer a few reminders that might encourage both pastors and missionaries as they striv to carry out the Great Commission.
1. Be Honest and Direct with Missionaries
My first encouragement to pastors is this: be upfront when a new missionary calls your church asking for a meeting. I’ve been there—trying to connect with pastors, making dozens of calls a day, often never speaking to a single one. It can be discouraging and exhausting.
At the same time, I know pastors are busy. Taking a phone call from a missionary is hard when your desk is full of ministry obligations, and your church isn’t currently taking on new support. It’s tough to say “no,” especially when your heart wants to support more missionaries than your budget allows. But being honest is far more helpful than giving someone false hope.
If you already know your church can’t support a new missionary, say so kindly but clearly. Don’t ask them to send a packet and ask them to call back later if the answer won’t change. As a missionary, I’d rather hear a gentle “we can’t support you at this time” than spend time, money, and emotional energy waiting for a meeting that won’t happen. Respect is built through honesty.
2. Understand That Furlough Is Not a Vacation
A second reminder is that furlough is not the same as vacation. Every missionary needs to report on what God is doing. Furlough is a key time for churches to hear how their prayers and finances are making a difference—and how to pray more specifically for their ministry.
But please don’t confuse furlough with a sabbatical or a time to relax. I’ll never forget a well-meaning pastor who shook my hand after a service and said, “I hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation.” Others in other congregations said similar things, often unaware of how untrue that was.
My family and I experienced several furloughs in the states. They can be filled with many responsibilities—traveling, speaking, scheduling meetings, often across many states and time zones. It is especially tough on families. Kids need routine, and furlough life is anything but routine. On top of that, many missionaries use this time to raise new support if their funding has dropped, adding even more pressure.
Yes, missionaries should carve out time to rest—but furlough is ministry, not leisure. Pastors can help by gently educating their congregations on what furlough truly is: a time of reporting, reconnecting, and recharging, but not simply resting. This can go a long way in helping to encourage a missionary. Our people need to be aware of what a missionary goes through not only while on the field, but also while on furlough.
3. If You Must Drop Support, Consider the Timing
One final suggestion is to be careful communicating news of support changes. Sometimes churches must make the hard decision to end or reduce support for a missionary. It’s not easy, and no one enjoys it—but, let’s face it, if it must be done, timing matters. It is crucial in the long-term health of a missionary.
Please, if possible, wait until the missionary is stateside on furlough. It is sufficiently difficult to raise support while on furlough, but even more so while on the field. Giving advance notice while they’re in the U.S. gives them the best chance to recover the lost support before returning to the field.
Missionary work is hard. It requires deep faith, perseverance, and encouragement from the Body of Christ. After 35 years in ministry, I can say this confidently: the more we as pastors can do to support and encourage missionaries, the better equipped they’ll be to serve long-term.
Let’s work together to get them to the field faster and help them stay there longer. With God’s help, we can be the kind of partners missionaries need—encouraging, prayerful, understanding, and committed.
