It’s tempting for local congregations to focus inward—after all, the needs are immediate, the faces familiar, and the stories close to heart. On top of this, small local congregations might harbour the misconception that missions are solely the responsibility of large-scale, foreign, and financially flush organisations or churches. But all of God’s people should consider what goes on beyond the four walls of their local church. We are one body, though scattered across neighbourhoods, languages, and countries (1 Corinthians 12:12–14; Ephesians 4:4-6). Rethinking missions invites us to a bigger vision, to God’s vision: local churches supporting other local churches in faith and resources.
Local churches are called to care for the wider family of faith.
The early church recounted in the New Testament wasn’t a host of isolated local congregations. When famine hit Judea, Paul rallied Gentile believers to send help—demonstrating financial support and prayer across boundaries (Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-27). The Macedonian churches joyfully supported others, “even amid severe trial,” and Paul urged Corinth to share resources too (2 Corinthians 8-9). Local churches are called not only to care for their own members but for the wider family of faith.
Equip, Pray, and Share Resources
Support can look practical: equipping pastors, sharing books, mentoring, or visiting for mutual encouragement. Many churches have gifted leaders, resources, and experience that their neighbours lack. The church in Antioch sent funds for famine relief, but they also sent Barnabas and Paul to encourage new believers and train leaders (Acts 13:1-3). Today, this means churches generously helping plant new congregations, facilitating theological education, and sharing their strengths with under-resourced churches.
Partnership should be spiritual as well as material.
Prayer is also vital. Paul repeatedly requested prayer from other churches for boldness and wisdom (Colossians 4:2-4; Ephesians 6:18-20), showing that partnership can be spiritual as well as material.
Mutual Generosity and Service
If financially able, churches should give. Paul teaches that generosity is part of fellowship. “I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints” (Romans 15:25). African churches, with a developing middle class, “can both raise up and support African missionaries around the world.” When we support others financially—even with small gifts—we join a long history of gospel-driven generosity.
We’re all part of something bigger.
Finally, healthy support isn’t one-directional. As highlighted by another writer at TGC Africa, the best partnerships are two-way: learning and growing together, sharing the burdens and joys of ministry. A “glocal”—local and global—outlook guards us against inward focus and the temptation to isolate ourselves, reminding us we’re part of something bigger (Revelation 5:9-10).
Let’s Reconsider Missions Together
The call is clear: let’s pray for each other, offer resources and encouragement, and support financially when able. This isn’t only biblical; it’s also beautifully human. As we do so, we reflect the heart of Christ and help his body flourish across Africa and beyond.
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