The call to spread faith and serve others through missionary work is a noble and inspiring endeavor. The Bible is a rich source of guidance for those on this sacred mission. Join us as we explore verses that inspire and empower missionary work.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Leaving
Bible Verses About Missionary Work
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore 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.”
This verse is known as the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. It highlights the essential nature of missionary work in spreading the Gospel and bringing people to faith in Christ.
It is a call to action for every Christian to actively participate in sharing the good news, baptizing believers, and teaching them to follow Christ’s commands. This verse also reassures believers that Jesus is with them always, providing guidance, strength, and support in their missionary endeavors.
Acts 1:8
“But 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.”
In this verse, Jesus promises His disciples that they will receive power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses. It emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering and equipping believers for the work of mission.
This verse also shows the progression of the mission, starting from Jerusalem to the surrounding region and eventually to the ends of the earth. It encourages believers to take the message of the Gospel to all people, regardless of their location or background.
Romans 10:14-15
“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!’”
This passage emphasizes the importance of preaching the Gospel and sending out missionaries. It highlights the sequential nature of belief, hearing, preaching, and sending.
It is the responsibility of believers to go and preach the good news so that others may hear, believe, and call upon the name of the Lord. This verse also acknowledges the significance of those who dedicate themselves to bringing the good news, commending them for their beautiful feet.
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'”
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah responds to God’s call and volunteers to be sent by Him. It demonstrates the willingness and obedience required for missionary work.
Just as Isaiah was ready to go wherever God sent him, believers should also have a willing heart to be sent by God for His purposes. It is an invitation for all Christians to avail themselves for mission, showing their commitment to God’s calling.
Mark 16:15
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”
This verse is another expression of the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
It signifies the all-encompassing nature of the gospel message, meant for everyone in every corner of the world. Believers are called to share the good news freely and without reservation, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to hear and respond to the message of salvation.
2 Timothy 2:2
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of discipleship and raising up future generations of missionaries, teachers, and leaders. It highlights the need to pass on the knowledge and teachings received from God to others who can then continue the cycle.
Missionary work extends beyond just evangelism; it includes teaching and equipping others to carry on the work of making disciples. This verse encourages believers to invest in trustworthy individuals who can effectively teach and pass on the Gospel to the next generation.
1 Chronicles 16:24
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
This verse reminds believers of their responsibility to declare the glory and marvelous deeds of God among the nations and all peoples.
It is a call to share the testimonies of God’s faithfulness, provision, and miracles to those who have not yet heard or experienced them. By proclaiming God’s glory, believers have the opportunity to draw others into a relationship with Him and ultimately bring glory to His name.
Matthew 10:7
“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’”
In this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples to proclaim the message that the kingdom of heaven is near as they go about their mission.
It is a reminder that the primary focus of missionary work should be to announce the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ and the imminent arrival of God’s eternal kingdom. This message has the power to transform lives and bring people into a right relationship with God.
Acts 13:47
“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
In this verse, the apostle Paul quotes from the book of Isaiah, affirming that the Lord has made believers a light for the Gentiles.
It signifies that God’s salvation is not limited to a specific group or ethnicity but is meant for all people. As believers shine the light of Christ through their lives and proclamation, they bring salvation to the ends of the earth, ensuring no one is left in darkness without the opportunity to know and experience God’s love and grace.
Psalm 96:3
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
This verse echoes the call to declare God’s glory among the nations and His marvelous deeds among all peoples.
It is a reminder that God’s wonders and works are not just relevant to a specific region or culture but are meant to be proclaimed to all peoples regardless of geographical or cultural boundaries. As believers testify to God’s greatness, they invite others to witness and experience His marvelous works themselves, drawing them into a deeper understanding and relationship with Him.
John 21:15
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’”
In this conversation between Jesus and Peter, Jesus commands Peter to feed His lambs. It symbolizes the responsibility of shepherding and caring for God’s people.
Missionary work goes beyond evangelism; it involves nurturing and guiding new believers in their faith journey. As believers respond to God’s love and commission, they are called to feed and care for those who come to faith, ensuring that they grow and develop into mature disciples of Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:20
“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul expresses his ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, emphasizing the importance of reaching unreached people groups.
It reminds believers that there are still many who have not heard the good news of Jesus Christ, and it is the responsibility of the church to reach these areas. The missionary work should focus on areas where the gospel has not yet been proclaimed, ensuring that no one is left without the opportunity to know and accept Jesus as their Savior.
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
This verse speaks of believers as ambassadors for Christ, representing Him and making His appeal for reconciliation known to others.
Missionary work involves embodying the character and message of Christ, inviting others to enter into a relationship with Him. As ambassadors, believers carry the responsibility of proclaiming God’s love, mercy, and the offer of salvation to a world that desperately needs reconciliation with God.
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
This verse encourages believers to revere Christ as Lord in their hearts and to always be prepared to give a reason for the hope they have in Him.
As missionaries, believers should not only proclaim the gospel but also be ready to explain and defend their faith to those who inquire. This verse emphasizes the importance of being knowledgeable about the Scriptures and sharing the hope we have in Christ with gentleness and respect.
Matthew 9:37-38
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”
Here, Jesus emphasizes the great need for workers in the harvest field and instructs His disciples to pray for more laborers to be sent.
It serves as a reminder that the work of missionary outreach is not to be accomplished by a select few but by the collective effort of the entire body of Christ. Believers are called to join in prayer, asking God to raise up and send more workers to reach the lost with the message of salvation.
Acts 20:24
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
In this verse, Paul expresses his single-minded dedication to fulfilling his mission of testifying to the good news of God’s grace, despite the challenges and obstacles he may face in his ministry.
Missionary work requires commitment and sacrifice, with the ultimate goal of completing the task entrusted by Jesus. It involves a willingness to lay down one’s life and personal ambitions for the sake of advancing the Kingdom of God and bringing the message of grace to those who have yet to encounter it.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
This verse contains God’s command to Joshua as he stepped into the role of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.
It serves as a reminder to believers engaged in missionary work that they should be strong and courageous, knowing that God is with them wherever they go. It assures them that they need not fear or be discouraged, for God’s presence and support are constant and unwavering.
Psalm 67:2-3
“May your ways be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.”
In this psalm, the psalmist prays for God’s ways and salvation to be made known on earth and among all nations.
Missionary work is grounded in the desire for God’s name to be praised and worshipped by all peoples. It recognizes that God’s salvation is not limited to a particular group but is meant for everyone. The psalmist’s prayer echoes the heart of every missionary, longing for all people to come to know and honor God as their Savior.
Revelation 7:9-10
“After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’”
This passage presents a vision of a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne of God, declaring the salvation that belongs to Him.
It gives believers a glimpse of the future reality where people from every corner of the earth will come to faith in Christ. This vision serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for missionaries, reinforcing the importance and significance of their work in bringing people of diverse backgrounds into God’s Kingdom.
Psalm 96:2-3
“Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
These verses call believers to sing, praise, and proclaim the name of the Lord, as well as to declare His glory and marvelous deeds among the nations and all peoples.
Missionary work involves not only verbal proclamation but also the expression of worship and adoration towards God. It is through a life of worship and genuine praise that believers can effectively demonstrate the transformative power of God’s salvation and bring glory to His name among all nations and peoples.
What Does the Bible Say About Missionary Work?
In the Bible, we see a clear mandate for missionary work in the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15. We are called to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. This commission is not just for a select few but for all believers. We are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, spreading the good news of salvation to the ends of the earth (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Furthermore, the book of Acts provides numerous examples of early Christians actively engaging in missionary work. From Paul’s missionary journeys to the efforts of the early church in spreading the gospel, we see a pattern of believers actively taking the message of Christ to those who have not heard it.
We are also reminded in Romans 10:14-15 of the critical role of those who are willing to be sent, asking how people can believe in the one of whom they have not heard, and how can they hear without someone preaching to them? The importance of sending and supporting missionaries is emphasized throughout the Bible, as believers are encouraged to pray for laborers for the harvest (Matthew 9:38) and to financially support those who are called to full-time missionary work (3 John 1:5-8).
Throughout scripture, we see the heart of God for all nations and peoples. The biblical narrative is one of God’s desire for all to come to repentance and knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4). As such, missionary work is not just a human initiative, but it is in line with God’s redemptive plan for the world.
Therefore, as followers of Christ, we are called to actively participate in missionary work, whether it be through going, sending, or supporting those who go. It’s our collective responsibility to share the message of salvation with those who have not yet had the opportunity to hear it.