Missions / Evangelism
Christian Missions and Evangelism
Jesus Christ commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations and to proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Christian missions and evangelism are therefore not optional activities for a select group of Christians. They are central to the mission Christ gave His Church. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8)
Biblical missions involves more than meeting physical needs, although compassionate ministry is an important expression of Christian love. The ultimate need of every person is reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Christian missions should therefore keep the Gospel central while also demonstrating Christ’s love through practical service.
The resources below include evangelistic organizations, missionary ministries, missions research, ministries serving persecuted Christians, prison ministry, Gospel literature, and organizations that help Christians become more effective witnesses.
Biblical Principles for Missions and Evangelism
- The Gospel is the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
- Christ commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:18-20)
- Every Christian should be prepared to give an answer for the hope within them. (1 Peter 3:15)
- Evangelism should include both proclamation and Christian love. (Matthew 5:16; James 2:14-17)
- The Holy Spirit empowers Christian witness. (Acts 1:8)
- Prayer is essential to missions. (Matthew 9:37-38; Colossians 4:2-4)
- Christians should seek to make disciples, not merely decisions. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Missions and Evangelistic Organizations
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Founded by Billy Graham in 1950, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association continues his evangelistic ministry through large-scale outreaches, internet evangelism, print, radio, television, the Billy Graham Library, training, and other ministries. Today Franklin Graham serves as president and CEO, with Will Graham also serving as an evangelist with BGEA.
Christian Aid Ministries
A Christian ministry providing practical aid, Gospel literature, evangelistic outreach, church-planting support, discipleship, and other assistance around the world. Christian Aid Ministries describes its purpose as helping the Church minister to both physical and spiritual needs while seeking to enlarge God’s kingdom.
Cru
A major Christian evangelism and discipleship ministry founded by Bill and Vonette Bright in 1951. Cru works in evangelism, discipleship, campus ministry, family ministry, city ministry, digital outreach, and other areas, with an emphasis on winning, building, and sending Christ-centered multiplying disciples.
Open Doors
Open Doors serves persecuted Christians around the world through practical support, Bible distribution, discipleship, advocacy, prayer resources, and research. The ministry was founded by Brother Andrew in 1955 after he began smuggling Bibles to persecuted Christians behind the Iron Curtain. Its annual World Watch List provides information about Christian persecution worldwide.
Samaritan’s Purse
A nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid around the world. Its ministries include disaster response, medical work, feeding programs, clean water, education, Operation Christmas Child, evangelism, and discipleship. Samaritan’s Purse intentionally connects practical assistance with the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Voice of the Martyrs
Founded by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, Voice of the Martyrs serves persecuted Christians in some of the world’s most difficult places. VOM provides practical and spiritual assistance, tells the stories of persecuted believers, equips Christians to pray and serve, and encourages the Church to remain faithful to the Great Commission despite persecution.
Prison Fellowship
Founded by Chuck Colson in 1976, Prison Fellowship ministers to incarcerated people, former prisoners, and their families. Its work includes proclaiming Christ, discipleship, Angel Tree, prison ministry, family support, and advocacy for restorative approaches to criminal justice.
Living Waters
Founded by Ray Comfort, Living Waters equips Christians to share the Gospel through evangelism resources, training, films, books, tracts, and the Way of the Master ministry. Ray Comfort continues to serve as founder and CEO. The ministry emphasizes biblical Gospel proclamation and practical training for personal evangelism.
World Missionary Press
Prints and distributes topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies in hundreds of languages. Its materials are given away freely around the world, with the stated goal of helping people hear the Gospel and know Jesus Christ. Founded by Watson and Rose Goodman, the ministry began in South Africa in 1961 and continues to distribute millions of Scripture booklets internationally.
Missions Research, Prayer, and Resources
Operation World
A major resource for information and prayer concerning the worldwide Christian Church and global missions. Operation World provides country-by-country information, missions statistics, trends, and prayer guidance to help Christians understand the spiritual needs of the nations.
Patrick Johnstone was the original author and leader associated with Operation World. He handed leadership of the ministry to others in 2004, while continuing to advise and contribute to missions research. Operation World today describes its role as sharing global and regional trends, teaching the biblical basis for mission and intercession, and helping Christians pray for the world.
Charity Navigator
A nonprofit evaluator that can help donors research charitable organizations. Charity Navigator evaluates organizations using areas including accountability and finance, impact and measurement, leadership and adaptability, and culture and community. It can be useful when Christians are evaluating organizations to which they are considering giving.
Note: Charity Navigator is not a Christian organization or a theological evaluator. Its ratings should therefore be viewed as financial and organizational information rather than as an endorsement of an organization’s doctrine or ministry philosophy.
YWAM Publishing
The publishing division of Youth With A Mission, providing books and other resources related to evangelism, missions, discipleship, prayer, Christian living, and the stories of missionaries and Christian heroes. Its catalog includes the Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and other resources designed to encourage Christians to serve Christ and engage the world.
Missions, Mercy, and the Gospel
Christian missions should maintain a biblical connection between truth and love.
Meeting physical needs can demonstrate genuine Christian compassion, but Christian missions should not lose sight of the Gospel. Likewise, evangelism should never become an excuse for ignoring suffering or treating people merely as targets for conversion.
Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples, teach His commands, demonstrate His love, and take the Gospel to the nations. Faithful missions therefore seeks both to proclaim Christ faithfully and serve people sacrificially.
Christians should also remember that missions begins with the local believer’s willingness to be a faithful witness wherever God has placed him or her. The Great Commission is global, but Christian witness begins with the people God places immediately around us.