The Past and Future of Funding Missions: From Everywhere to Everywhere – National Workers vs. Missionaries

EMQ » April - May 2026 » Volume 62 Issue 2

A short-term volunteer shares the gospel with several men in University Park in Lima, Peru.

Summary: The direct support of national pastors and missionaries by American and European churches has been promoted as a more efficient and effective model of ministry than sending missionaries from the West to other parts of the world. After a historical overview of funding models and a survey of current missionary funding models, I explore the various pros and cons of direct support of national pastors and missionaries, with or without the mediation of American missionaries or agencies.

By Scott Klingsmith

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