There’s a reason we don’t all walk around with Zunes in our pockets.
Back in the early 2000s, Microsoft’s Zune and Apple’s iPod were both sleek devices that played music. But only one became a household name. Apple’s success is often attributed to their decision to not just sell what the iPod did—they sold why it existed. Apple’s message wasn’t “we make MP3 players.” It was: “we challenge the status quo and think differently—want to come along?” That “why” inspired a generation.
Leadership expert Simon Sinek describes this concept in his “Golden Circle” framework: Most people and organizations start by explaining what they do. Some go on to describe how they do it. But the most powerful communicators start with why—why they exist, why it matters, and why you should care.
Believe it or not, your church’s missions Sunday is no different.
What Did You Hear?
Think back to the last missionary presentation your church hosted. You probably heard a story, a country name, and a list of projects—what they’re doing. Maybe you even heard a compelling update on how they’re reaching people.
But did you hear why?
Why are we sending missionaries in the first place?
Without the why, missions presentations become background noise. With it, each missionary’s speech is a holy moment—an invitation to rejoice in the Lord’s work in the world.
The “Why” Is Sending
What makes a missions Sunday—or any missionary presentation—memorable and meaningful is when the church casts a vision not just for projects, but for sending. Jesus told his followers to plead for gospel servants to be sent out on God’s mission: “Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38).
When the Spirit birthed the church at Pentecost, it wasn’t just for the benefit of Jerusalem. And in Acts 13, when the church in Antioch gathered in worship, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
In other words: send them.
The question every local church should be asking isn’t just “How can we support missions?” but “Who should we send?”
And that’s the point of Send Sunday.
What Is Send Sunday?
Send Sunday is your church’s opportunity to reclaim your role in the Great Commission. This June 8—Pentecost Sunday, the day the church was born—we’re challenging churches to take a bold step: set aside one Sunday to ask God who you should be sending.
Sign up for Send Sunday now and download your free resources to guide your church in praying, preaching, and planning with purpose.
The nations are waiting. Who should we send?
