Missionaries Are A Tangible Connection Between The Church And God

Training, commissioning, assigning and supporting missionaries in the United States and around the world has been at the heart of Methodism since the founding of the first denominational Methodist missionary society in 1819.

Today, United Methodist missionaries serve in about 60 different countries in many types of professional careers, including as pastors, evangelists and church coordinators; teachers and educators; doctors, nurses and other health workers; agriculturists; development specialists; community organizers and peacebuilders.

Missionaries engage in ministry that is defined by mutuality and partnership, seeking to expand the mission of God already present and active in people and places. Through Global Ministries, there are four missionary paths that can be explored: Global Missionaries, United States Missionaries, Young Adults or Mission Volunteers.

Global Missionaries serve anywhere from three years to three decades. They are called by God and sent out to serve by the church, usually placed in a new cultural context beyond their country of origin.

United States Missionaries serve across the country in many settings and various roles. Two diverse types of U.S. missionaries are Church and Community Workers (CCWs) and Racial Ethnic Plan (REP) missionaries.

Church and Community Workers serve within disenfranchised communities and work in substance and domestic abuse prevention, outreach among immigrant communities and students, coordination of volunteers in mission, and with programs for children, youth and women. Racial Ethnic Plan missionaries develop and revitalize local racial-ethnic congregations, strengthen community resources and empower leaders for the future.

Global Mission Fellows are young adults, ages 20–30, who are committed to serve in social justice ministries for two years. They enter into new communities, understanding their challenges and assets through relationships and with the long-term goal to overcome systemic oppression. Fellows partner with community organizations to address a variety of issues, including migration/immigration, education, public health and poverty.

Mission Volunteers are individuals or couples (ages 18 and up) who seek long-term partnerships with communities around the world and fund themselves. Mission Volunteer opportunities are diverse and range from working with refugees, children and youth to serving as teachers, pastors, camp directors or health care professionals. The length of service ranges from two months to more than two years.

How can you help? You can donate to the overall missionary work through Global Ministries and you can also become a Covenant Partner. These relationships provide an opportunity for missionaries and churches or individuals to support one another spiritually, emotionally and financially.

Every contribution makes a difference in this important work. You can support an individual missionary through a covenant relationship or give to the greatest need across all missionaries. Learn more by visiting UMCmission.org/missionaries to explore how you can help.

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