Practical ways to pray, give, and go—starting today, right where God has placed you.
For the past three weeks, we’ve explored missions together through Scripture, stories, and practical steps, examining God’s mission to reach the nations. We’ve seen how ordinary believers can play extraordinary roles in advancing the gospel, and we’ve been reminded that every follower of Christ is called to participate in God’s global mission.
So, here’s my final encouragement: start where you are, with what you have, today. If you’ve wondered what this looks like, think of it as pray, give, and go: how to live on mission for God’s glory.
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Live Missionally—Here and to the Ends of the Earth
Jesus said:
“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14–16)
Whether you’re a student, a parent, a business owner, or a retiree, you have unique opportunities to live out the Great Commission right where you are. We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works—prepared in advance by God for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10).
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Start with Prayer
Prayer is the foundation of missions. It’s not passive—it’s an active partnership with God. In fact, you might find that you start by praying, and in the end, you’re going. That’s because God does a work in your heart. He aligns you with what he is busy doing in this world.
Jesus commanded us:
“Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field.” (Matthew 9:38)
When we pray for missions, we align our hearts with God’s purposes and participate in breaking down the spiritual strongholds that surround us, both globally and within ourselves. This is a spiritual battle, and we fight through the Spirit–it begins on our knees in prayer.
Practical ideas to begin:
- Dedicate 5 minutes a day to pray for an unreached people group or missionary. Prayers do not have to be long to be heard by God. And if you are looking for missionaries to pray for, click here to view those serving through Biblical Ministries South Africa.
- Use resources like Operation World or the Joshua Project to choose an unreached people group, and then pray continually.
- Make it communal—invite your family, small group, or church.
Imagine what God might do with a handful of believers praying for missionaries. The Moravians of the 18th century initiated a 24/7 prayer meeting that lasted for more than 100 years and sparked a missions movement that changed history. It may be that you and I are believers today as a result of that prayer meeting. Your prayers could have a similar effect in the world today.
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Give Generously
Supporting missions financially is an eternal investment. Even small, consistent gifts make a difference—especially when done through your local church. The Apostle Paul gave thanks for the Philippian church that partnered with him and supported him, reminding them that the fruit from the mission has been credited to them as well.
If finances are tight, be creative:
- Donate resources that will be provided to missionaries or the people they serve
- Host missionaries in your home
- Offer your skills to help (admin, design, web development)
Generosity, offered with the right heart, fuels gospel work and reflects the call to pray, give, and go.
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Partner with Trustworthy Missionaries + Missions Organisations
Serve alongside missions organisations like Biblical Ministries Worldwide South Africa. Many need volunteers, advocates, and prayer partners. Attend missions conferences or webinars, and speak with your church’s missions team about where you can help.
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Consider Going
Some of you may be called to long-term, vocational missions. You could be involved in church planting, Bible translation, medical missions, or even teaching English as a second language in a foreign country. If this resonates with you, consider taking these next steps:
- Seek counsel from your pastor or trusted mentors within your local congregation about your desire to pursue missions.
- Get involved in your local church–this is the training ground for missions.
- Consider joining more formal training programmes to equip you for the field. Biblical Ministries South Africa is one avenue for this.
- Start with short-term missions trips where you can get exposure to the long-term missions life and see if that is suited for you.
Like William Carey, the “father of modern missions,” you can start where you are and trust God to lead.
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Be a Missionary Where You Are
You don’t have to cross an ocean to live on mission. Build relationships, serve in local outreach, and share the gospel in everyday life. Start by volunteering with local missions groups that reach the marginalised, get involved in pregnancy crisis centres or other places where you can get to know people and serve them. Share the gospel. Look for opportunities to share your testimony and explain the hope that you have in Christ.
The best missionary abroad is already a missionary at home.
Your Call to Action
Pray daily for the nations. Give generously. Go—whether across the street or across the world. Remember, the Great Commission is not for the “super spiritual.” It’s for all of us.
Your mission starts here and now. To find a missionary to pray for, click here. You can give to a specific missionary from their bio page, or give to Biblical Ministries South Africa here. And if you’re seeking to go, we’d love to talk more with you–contact us to start the conversation. Begin with pray, give, and go to live on mission for God—and trust Him to use you for His glory.
