Is Your Church Truly Missional?: Lessons from Acts 13 on Prayer, Sending, and Sacrifice 

The biblical blueprints for a missions-oriented church reveal that sending missionaries goes far beyond financial support.

When you hear the word “missions,” what comes to mind?

For many, it’s finances—missions giving, monthly support, special offerings, and love gifts. It’s understandable. After all, financial support is the primary way churches send missionaries across the globe. 

When I meet with pastors or missions committees, most of their questions revolve around funding. And rightly so—sustaining missions work requires resources. Even the Apostle Paul emphasized financial support, thanking the Philippian church for their “partnership in the gospel” (Philippians 4:15-18). He beautifully described how their giving connected them to the spiritual fruit of his ministry. 

But missions is about more than money. Beneath the financial support lies something far deeper: the heart of a church aligned with God’s mission. Generous giving flows from a profound spiritual commitment, one rooted in worship, prayer, and a willingness to sacrifice. In Acts 13, we find a vivid example of a truly missional church. 

Acts 13: A Blueprint for a Missional Church 

“Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:1-3) 

This passage paints a powerful portrait of what a missions-oriented church looks like. It reveals four essential traits: unwavering commitment to the Great Commission, earnest prayer and fasting, readiness to mobilize and send, and willingness to release loved ones for ministry. 

Unwavering Commitment to the Great Commission 

A missional church embraces Jesus’ mandate in Matthew 28:18-20: 

“Go and make disciples of all nations…” 

The Greek word for “nations” is ethne, referring to every ethnicity and people group. The church at Antioch understood that discipleship wasn’t just a local responsibility—it was a global mission. 

Paul’s ministry exemplifies this commitment. Despite relentless opposition, he planted churches in diverse and often hostile environments: 

  • Philippi: Paul was beaten and imprisoned, yet a church was born (Acts 16). 
  • Lystra: He was stoned and left for dead, but he pressed on (Acts 14). 
  • Thessalonica: He faced fierce resistance yet planted a thriving church (Acts 17). 
  • Corinth: He endured opposition while establishing a flourishing community (Acts 18). 
  • Ephesus: He confronted spiritual warfare and local opposition, but a strong church emerged (Acts 19). 

The question is: Are we committed to the Great Commission, even when it’s inconvenient or costly? Are we willing to embrace the call to reach every people group, no matter the challenges? 

Earnest Prayer and Fasting 

In Acts 13, the church was worshiping, fasting, and praying when the Holy Spirit spoke. Their posture of prayer reflects Jesus’ command in Matthew 9:38: 

“Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” 

Prayer isn’t optional in missions—it’s foundational. Paul repeatedly sought prayer for his ministry: 

“Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word…” (Colossians 4:3) 

Churches today must prioritize prayer. Missions committees can pray through their church directory, asking God to reveal those he might be calling. Prayer fuels missions, paving the way for the gospel to reach the unreached. 

Readiness to Mobilize and Send 

The church at Antioch didn’t hesitate to act. After hearing the Holy Spirit’s call, they prayed, fasted, and immediately sent Paul and Barnabas. 

Sadly, many churches today are reluctant to send their best leaders, fearing the loss of local ministry strength. But a missions-oriented church sees sending as an act of faith and obedience. Mobilizing gifted individuals for missions isn’t a sacrifice—it’s a privilege. 

Willingness to Release Loved Ones 

The word “send” in Acts 13 also means “release.” Sending missionaries often means letting go of beloved friends and family members. This can be painful, not only for those left behind but for those sent as they leave familiar comforts, culture, and community. 

Churches play a vital role in supporting missionaries through these transitions. Many missionaries face family pressures, such as caring for aging parents or navigating children’s education. Missions-oriented churches step in to provide emotional and practical support, enabling missionaries to stay focused on their calling. 

Practical Applications 

For those sensing a call to missions, the journey begins with prayer and discernment. Missions isn’t about external pressure—it’s a Spirit-led response to God’s call. Take time to pray, seek wise counsel, and trust God’s leading as you prepare. 

For the church, the role is clear: pray and send. Acts 13 shows that every member of the church is called to engage. Whether through prayer, encouragement, or financial support, we all play a part in advancing God’s mission. 

Conclusion: Answering the Call

 Acts 13 provides a timeless model for a missions-oriented church: commitment to the Great Commission, earnest prayer and fasting, mobilization of missionaries, and a willingness to release loved ones for ministry. 

Not everyone is called to cross-cultural missions, but every believer is called to participate. Let’s move beyond passive observation and actively engage in God’s mission. Pray fervently, support generously, and encourage boldly. Missions isn’t just for those who go—it’s the work of the entire body of Christ. 

Will your church answer the call? Let us commit to being a church that worships, prays, sends, and sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. Together, we can make an eternal impact. 

Paul L. Davis

Paul Davis is president of ABWE. Prior to his appointment in 2017, Paul served as senior pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Holland, MI. He attended Liberty University and Dallas Theological Seminary and holds a master’s degree from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Paul and his wife, Martha, have been married for 28 years, and have both served in numerous roles in Christian ministry and education. They have four adult children. Follow Paul on Facebook.