What does the term “sending church” imply?
It can mean different things among different organizations and is probably different for each sending church. Here we define “sending church” as a church that provides the majority of the emotional, spiritual, and perhaps even ministry and financial supply for a cross-cultural missionary. Although a sending church can provide most or all of one’s financial support, this does not necessarily have to be the case. What kinds of churches can become sending churches? All kinds! At one time, it was thought that only large churches could perform these functions. However, experience has shown that even a church of 100 people and perhaps less can rally behind a missionary sufficiently to provide not only the emotional and spiritual support but, in fact, most if not all of his or her financial needs as well. Of course, larger churches can muster even more resources for these needs. What are some of the qualifications for a sending church? Most of all, a sending church must be committed to the ca
