What Is a Bible Missionary?

If you believe Bible missions matter, then you understand that a true missionary is a God-called gospel preacher, commissioned by a New Testament church, with the primary goal of establishing indigenous churches. We should be supporting those who are called by God, ordained, and overseen by a local church, rather than just anyone claiming to be a missionary. The focus must remain on soul-winning, church planting, and transferring leadership to nationals, ensuring that the work is sustainable and rooted in biblical principles. We should recognize that the term “missionary” has broadened over time to include a wide range of roles, but not all of these roles align with the biblical definition. A missionary is not a social worker or a long-term pastor who remains in a foreign country without passing the work to a native leader. Instead, missionaries should aim to start new churches, ideally organic and simple, often beginning in homes or natural settings like riversides, rather than relying heavily on buildings or complexes. Supporting native leadership and encouraging indigenous growth are essential for the health and longevity of the church in that region. We should also be supporting missionaries who are committed to fulfilling their specific calling, whether they are bivocational or fully supported, and who are working to establish self-sustaining churches. Long-term missionaries should plan to transfer authority to local believers, ensuring the work continues independently. Ultimately, we should prioritize biblical principles, supporting those who are genuinely called and equipped to carry out the Great Commission according to God's plan.