Missionary Bible Verses

What is missionary work in the Bible?

The word “missionary” is not found in most Bible translations, but the idea of being sent (Latin missio) runs through Scripture. God promises Abraham that all the families of the earth will be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3). Psalm 96:3 calls people to declare God’s glory among the nations. Jonah is sent to Nineveh. In the New Testament, Jesus sends his disciples, and the church at Antioch sends Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:2-3).

In general terms, missionary work means taking the good news of Jesus across cultural, linguistic or geographic boundaries, often alongside practical care such as medical work, education and translation.

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:19-20. Jesus tells his followers to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them, and promises, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (KJV).
Mark 16:15. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (KJV).
Luke 24:46-48. The message of repentance and forgiveness is to be preached to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
John 20:21. Jesus says, “as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (KJV).

Note that some manuscripts of Mark do not include the last verses of chapter 16, and different Bible translations mark this. The Great Commission is found in other Gospels, so the central idea does not depend on that single passage.

The call to go

Isaiah 6:8. After seeing God’s holiness, Isaiah hears the Lord ask whom to send, and answers, “Here am I; send me” (KJV).
Romans 10:14-15. How will people call on someone they have not heard of, and how will they hear without a preacher, and how will anyone preach unless sent?
Luke 10:2. The harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few, so pray that the Lord of the harvest sends out laborers.
Acts 13:2-3. The Holy Spirit says to set apart Barnabas and Saul, and the church fasts, prays and sends them.

Empowered by the Spirit

Acts 1:8 promises that the disciples will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on them and will be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Missions in Acts repeatedly depend on the Spirit’s leading (for example Acts 16:6-10). For more on this, see our Holy Spirit discussion questions.

Verses for praying for missionaries

These verses are often used as prayer prompts:

Open doors. Colossians 4:3 - pray that God will open a door for the message.
Boldness. Ephesians 6:19-20 - Paul asks prayer that he would speak boldly.
The word spreading. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 - pray that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.
Protection. 2 Thessalonians 3:2 - pray to be delivered from wicked and evil people. Psalm 121 is also often used.
Fruitful work. 1 Corinthians 16:9 - a wide door for effective work has opened, though there are many adversaries.
Refreshment. Romans 15:32 - Paul hopes to come in joy and be refreshed in their company.

What to say to encourage missionaries

Encouragement does not need to be elaborate. Some ideas:

Tell them you are praying, and mention a specific need if you know it.
Share a short verse such as Galatians 6:9 (do not grow weary in doing good) or Joshua 1:9.
Ask about their daily life, not only ministry results.
Remember birthdays, holidays and anniversaries, which can be hard when far from home.
Follow up on past prayer requests.
Be honest and warm, and avoid promising outcomes you cannot guarantee.

In Philippians 4:15-16 Paul thanks the church that supported him repeatedly, which shows how much steady care meant to him.

The heart of a missionary

Scripture offers several pictures:

Compassion. Jesus looked at the crowds with compassion (Matthew 9:36-38).
Humble service. Paul describes becoming all things to all people for the sake of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:22).
Love. Paul writes that he shared not only the gospel but also his own life with the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
Dependence on God. Paul says his preaching relied on the Spirit’s power (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).
Perseverance through hardship. See 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 for Paul’s own account, and the story of Paul’s shipwreck for one dramatic example.

Calling, and Ephesians 4:11

People sometimes ask about “the five types of calling.” The phrase is usually linked to Ephesians 4:11: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Christians differ on how these roles apply today. Some understand “apostle” in a missionary or church-planting sense (the word means “sent one”), and others see the apostles as unique to the first generation. Evangelists are widely connected with sharing the gospel. Treat this as one framework among several rather than a list every church uses.

Other Christians emphasize that every believer shares in witness (1 Peter 3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:20) even if not everyone is called to cross-cultural work. Speak with your pastor or a mission leader if you are discerning a call.

Missions at home

Jesus’ list in Acts 1:8 begins with Jerusalem, the disciples’ home city. Many churches see the mission field as including their own neighbors, schools and workplaces. Supporting missionaries through prayer, giving and encouragement also counts as participating in the work (3 John 5-8). Churches that organize their service teams may also find our study on the gift of administration helpful.

Questions for reflection

Which Great Commission verse speaks most to you, and why?
Who in your church is serving cross-culturally, and how can you support them?
Where is your “Jerusalem,” the place where you already have influence?
How might the church respond when the Spirit says “set apart” someone for new work?