Imagine that your church has been supporting a missionary for years, faithfully sending funds and prayers their way. But how often does your congregation hear about what’s happening on the mission field? Do they know how their giving is making an impact? Do they feel personally connected to the work?

Too often, churches set up mission partnerships, announce them with excitement, and then… silence. No updates. No stories. No reminders. Just a line item in the budget.

But what if something as simple as a quick Sunday morning update could ignite fresh passion for missions in your church?

Why Regular Updates Matter

1. They Keep Missions Front and Center. If your church members never hear about the missionaries you support, they may forget they exist. But when you regularly share updates, missions becomes a living, breathing part of your church’s identity.
2. They Encourage More Prayer. It’s one thing to say, “Pray for our missionaries.” It’s another to say, “This week, John and Sarah in Thailand are launching a Bible study with new believers. Let’s pray for them right now.” Specificity fuels meaningful prayer.
3. They Build a Deeper Connection. When people hear real stories—about struggles, victories, and everyday life on the field—they start to feel like they truly know the missionaries your church supports. That personal connection makes missions more than just a distant concept.
4. They Inspire Future Missionaries. Hearing about real people doing real work for God plants seeds in hearts. The next generation of missionaries might be sitting in your pews right now, waiting for that nudge of inspiration.
5. They Increase Giving. When people see the impact of their generosity, they are far more likely to give joyfully and consistently. Regular updates remind them that their support is making a difference.

Just remember to always get permission before sharing details about a missionary’s work. Some serve in sensitive areas where too much exposure could put them or their ministry at risk. A simple email or message asking, “Can we share this update with our congregation?” ensures their safety and peace of mind.

Regularly updating your church about the missionaries you support doesn’t take much time, but it cultivates incredible benefits. You probably already receive your missionaries’ newsletters—all you have to do is ask them if you can share it. You never know how God might use that simple act to stir hearts for His global mission!