22 Bible Verses about Missions and Missionary Work
Missions and sharing the Gospel are central themes throughout the Bible. They remind us of our calling to spread God’s love, grace, and salvation to all people. Here are 22 Bible verses that inspire and encourage us in missions and missionary work.
1. Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This Great Commission from Jesus underscores our responsibility to share the Gospel.
2. Mark 16:15
“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’”
A clear instruction from Jesus to spread the good news to everyone everywhere.
3. Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Highlights the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for effective witnessing and missions.
4. Romans 10:14-15
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”
Emphasizes the necessity of preaching the Gospel for people to come to faith.
5. Isaiah 6:8
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’”
Isaiah’s willing response illustrates the attitude of readiness for missions.
6. 2 Corinthians 5:20
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
We are called to represent Christ and advocate for reconciliation with God.
7. Psalm 96:3
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!”
A call to declare God’s greatness and deeds to people everywhere.
8. Matthew 9:37-38
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’”
Jesus encourages prayer for more workers in the mission field.
9. John 20:21
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’”
This passage reinforces our mission to carry forward the work of Christ.
10. Acts 2:47
“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
A depiction of the early church’s growth as a result of their faithfulness to sharing the Gospel.
11. Luke 10:2
“And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’”
Another affirmation of the need for more workers in the mission field.
12. Galatians 6:9
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Encouragement to stay persistent in missions and good deeds.
13. Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
We are called to be visible witnesses of Christ’s light.
14. Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
Boldness in sharing the Gospel is essential, as it is the means through which God saves.
15. 1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Calls for readiness in sharing the Gospel while maintaining respect and gentleness.
16. Luke 4:18-19
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Describes Jesus’ mission on earth and serves as a model for our own.
17. Philippians 1:27
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.”
Encourages unity and commitment to the mission of spreading the Gospel.
18. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
“This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
God’s heart is for the salvation of all people, motivating our mission efforts.
19. Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”
This vision of worship shows the ultimate goal of missions: gathering people from all nations to worship God.
20. 1 Corinthians 9:22
“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”
Paul’s approach highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity in missions.
21. Acts 13:47
“For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Affirms the mission to share salvation broadly, including among those outside God’s covenant people.
22. 2 Thessalonians 3:1
“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you.”
A call for prayer that the Gospel message may advance and be received positively.
These verses remind us of the great commission we have as followers of Christ to engage in missions and spread the Gospel to every corner of the world. May they inspire and encourage you in your efforts to serve and evangelize!