Missionaries have played a vital role in spreading the message of Jesus Christ throughout history.
From the earliest days of the church to modern times, men and women have left their homes, traveled across the world, and dedicated their lives to sharing the gospel.
But what does the Bible actually say about missionaries?
Are they specifically called by God, or is mission work something every Christian should be involved in?
The Bible is filled with examples of people who were sent by God to bring His message to others.
From the prophets of the Old Testament to the disciples of Jesus, the mission of spreading God’s Word has always been central to His plan.
Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible teaches about missionaries, their purpose, and how their work continues today.
God’s Heart for Missions
The idea of missions did not begin in the New Testament—it has been part of God’s plan from the very beginning.
God’s heart has always been for all people to know Him and worship Him.
When God made a covenant with Abraham, He promised that through Abraham’s descendants, “all peoples on earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).
This blessing was not just for Israel, but for every nation.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see glimpses of God’s desire for the whole world to know Him.
Psalm 96:3 declares, “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
Isaiah 49:6 speaks of the coming Savior, saying, “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
God’s love and salvation were never meant to stay in one place—they were always meant to reach every person on earth.
Jesus’ Command to Make Disciples
Jesus made it clear that His followers were meant to take the gospel to the world.
After His resurrection, He gave what is known as the Great Commission.
Matthew 28:19-20 records His words:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
These words were not just for the disciples who heard them.
They were a command for every believer, in every generation.
Jesus did not say to wait for people to come to us.
He said to go.
This is the heart of missionary work—taking the message of Jesus to those who have not heard it.
Acts 1:8 reinforces this, as Jesus tells His followers, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
From the very beginning, the mission of the church was to reach beyond its own people and bring the gospel to all nations.
Paul: The First Great Missionary
One of the best examples of a missionary in the Bible is the apostle Paul.
Before becoming a follower of Christ, Paul was a Pharisee named Saul, who persecuted Christians.
But after his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19), he became one of the most dedicated missionaries in history.
Paul traveled extensively, preaching the gospel, planting churches, and training new believers.
His missionary journeys took him across the Roman Empire, from Jerusalem to modern-day Turkey, Greece, and even Rome.
Paul’s letters, many of which were written to churches he helped establish, make up a large part of the New Testament.
He endured great hardships—beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and persecution—but never gave up on his mission.
In Romans 10:14-15, Paul emphasizes the importance of missions, saying:
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
Paul’s life shows that missionary work is not easy, but it is essential.
The gospel must be shared, and God calls people to go and proclaim it.
The Role of Missionaries Today
Missionaries today continue the work started by Jesus and His disciples.
They go to places where the gospel has not yet reached, translating the Bible, teaching, and serving communities in practical ways.
Many missionaries work in remote villages, large cities, and even dangerous areas where Christianity is restricted.
Some serve as church planters, while others work as teachers, doctors, or humanitarian workers, using their skills to open doors for the gospel.
The role of a missionary is not just about preaching—it is about building relationships, meeting needs, and showing God’s love through actions.
James 1:27 reminds us, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Missionaries often care for the poor, provide education, and bring medical aid, demonstrating the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Are All Christians Called to Be Missionaries?
Not everyone is called to leave their home and move to another country, but every Christian is called to be part of God’s mission.
Jesus’ command to make disciples applies to everyone, not just those in full-time ministry.
Some are called to go, while others are called to support.
Romans 12:4-5 explains that the church is like a body, with different members having different functions.
Some people are called to preach, others to give, and others to encourage.
Supporting missionaries through prayer, financial giving, or volunteering is just as important as going.
Even in daily life, believers are called to be missionaries in their own communities.
Colossians 4:5-6 says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Every Christian has opportunities to share the gospel with friends, coworkers, and neighbors.
Missions is not just about traveling far—it is about sharing the love of Jesus wherever we are.
The Challenges of Missionary Work
Missionary work is rewarding, but it is also filled with challenges.
Jesus warned in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”
Many missionaries face persecution, cultural barriers, and financial struggles.
Some are rejected by the very people they are trying to help.
Others suffer from loneliness, illness, and even threats to their lives.
Paul himself experienced great suffering, yet he remained committed to his mission.
In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, he describes the hardships he endured:
“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.”
Despite all of this, Paul pressed on because he knew the importance of sharing the gospel.
Missionaries today continue to make sacrifices, trusting that God will provide for them and protect them.
The Reward of Faithful Missionary Work
The Bible promises that those who faithfully serve God’s mission will be rewarded.
Galatians 6:9 encourages, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Jesus also spoke of the eternal reward for those who serve Him.
In Matthew 25:21, He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
The sacrifices made for the sake of the gospel are never in vain.
God sees every effort, and He will bless those who follow His call.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear that missionaries play a crucial role in God’s plan.
Jesus commanded His followers to take the gospel to the world, and that mission continues today.
Not everyone is called to go, but every Christian is called to be part of spreading God’s love.
Whether through prayer, giving, or sharing faith in everyday life, we all have a part in God’s mission.
Missions is not just a task—it is a calling to bring hope, truth, and salvation to a world in need.