4 Most Asked Questions as a Support Based Missionary

I wanted to take a moment to address some of the common questions and thoughts that often arise when it comes to support-based missionary work. I have personally been asked each one of these questions. Are you ready for them? I wonder if you have thought any of these as well..

1. Do Missionaries Get Paid?

Indeed, missionaries do receive a salary, and like anyone else, we manage our finances responsibly—maintaining bank accounts, creating budgets, and keeping track of expenses... what a fun time right? (haha)... The path to receiving this support can vary significantly though. Some missionaries receive direct funding from their church or sending organization, while others depend on self-funding or the kindness of donors, often combining these resources. The process of raising support involves working closely with churches, individuals, families, and organizations to gather the necessary financial backing to make it to the missions field and remain on the field.

For me personally, I will be receiving my visa sponsorship through my sending organization Paz International. They will be my sponsor in order for me to file for a religious visa and they will also be providing support with health care, IRA and other benefits (It does not matter what line of work you are in, planning for the future is important and I deeply appreciates Paz focus in this area). I am responsible though to raise my full salary through donors.

This often leads people to asking the next most common question I receive in regards to fundraising....

2. Why Does your sending organization not “pay” you?

In simple terms, most mission agencies lack the funds to fully support every missionary, which means individuals must raise money to meet their essential needs and ministry activities. Consider this in the context of your business: as you expand, the workload increases, necessitating the hiring of more staff. In business, there is a revenue stream that enables expansion and the hiring of new employees. In church planting and ministry, there is also continuous growth, with an increasing number of individuals coming to faith, more people eager to be discipled, and a significant harvest of souls still to be reached. However, the workforce remains limited, and often there is insufficient revenue to expand the team.

“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Mathew 9:37

For even established churches, contributions are vital and can often limit ministry. For instance, think of your home church and what the tithes and offerings help provide- this includes covering staff salaries, maintaining facilities, funding outreach programs, and sharing the gospel message. You may have even heard your church discussing specific needs from the platform or even launching a giving campaign ask for “above and beyond” for a need of the church or congregation. Did you reach that goal?

Despite the potential for significant growth, many churches and organizations struggle to provide the necessary resources and funding to expand their efforts. This challenge is even more pronounced on the mission fields.

According to the Barna Group, only about 5% of Christians in America actively participate in tithing.

If one of the wealthiest regions in the world has difficulties in meeting the expected percentage mandated by God, how can we expect other countries with less awareness (or for many the actual resources) to do the same?

In the case of Paz International specifically in Japan, we are establishing new churches.

The concept of tithing is not yet a deeply rooted practice and takes time to establish and cultivate the heart behind it. There are not enough resources coming in through a tithe where all expenses, including missionary salaries can be covered.

I want to stress this point: Paz is exceptional at teaching and guiding everyone through Scripture. We are laying strong foundations, and as these grow, tithing naturally follows, but it calls for patience and time. While tithes do come in, resources are currently allocated to other needed areas. Therefore, missionaries like myself must reach out to individuals, families, and organizations that share a passion for global ministry and wish to help build God church in Japan.

3. Why Not Just Get a “Real” Job?

Indeed, I have had someone look me directly in the eye and pose this question, rather harshly actually. While you may not be as bold, I understand that many are likely pondering the same question...

Let me clarify: missionary work is not merely a “job”; it's a profound calling, that the Lord has been working in my heart since I was young! I didn’t stumble upon a LinkedIn add saying, “Missionary needed—ask for money, sell your belongings, leave your family behind... Promise its worth it,” and simply decide to apply. I was working a typical 9-to-5 job as the Community Liaison for a health care company AND working part-time as the generations director for my church. I was working in both the marketplace and in ministry and loving it!...without the stressor of needing to raise a salary might I add.... But then the Lord spoke. And when the Lord speaks, it changes everything (least it should).

Sure, this new job route comes with the quirky and quite difficult job requirement of fundraising, which isn’t exactly the norm for your typical 9-to-5.

Some have even asked why I don’t move to Japan, get a “real” job and serve the church on the side.

Missionary work is more than a job; it is a calling that demands full attention and dedication. By raising support I will be able to focus entirely on ministry, jump fully into language school and cultivate meaningful relationships without the distraction or time restraints of external employment.

Plus, let’s be real—visa rules and job laws can turn traditional work into a game of Twister!

So, when I raise support, it's a heartfelt choice to go all in on Gods mission to plant churches and make disciples in areas of the world where you personally might not go.

4. What Does the Bible Say About Raising Support?

My favorite of these questions honestly... I much rather share scripture than talk “business” things.

Let the Word of the Lord be our guide!!!

The Scriptures provide us with deep insights regarding the significance of financial support for ministry. Throughout the Bible, we witness God utilizing the generosity of His people to further His work—from constructing the tabernacle to supporting Paul's missionary efforts.

The apostle Paul, in 3 John 1: 5-8, emphasizes the necessity of financially backing those who share the gospel. Additionally, Jesus Himself depended on the kindness of others (Luke 8:1-3). God, the owner of all things (Psalm 50:10), grants us the capability to give (1 Chronicles 29:14) and encourages us to be generous (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), filling our hearts with the joy of giving (Acts 20:35) while ensuring our needs are met in return (Philippians 4:19).

And yes, I have encountered the recurring question about being a Tent Maker. “Tent making” is a metaphorical concept that refers to maintaining a career to enable participation in Christian ministry. It originates from the apoustle Paul (Acts 18:3). Tentmakers are typically Christian workers, often missionaries, who work full-time to sustain themselves instead of receiving support or a salary from a church or mission organization.

As I mentioned earlier, "tent making" or getting a “real job” in Japan will restrict my ability to serve in ministry to the extent that is necessary for me; specifically, I won’t be able to attend language school right away, I will have to adhere to strict work visa requirements, and my schedule would therefore offer less flexibility for ministry work.

While I understand that many missionaries depend on and sometimes require "tent making" within their specific fields of ministry, I am seeking to be fully funded through the generosity of supporters.

I invite you to explore these scriptural passages—Luke 8:1-3, Matthew 6:21, and Philippians 4:14-20—and consider how they resonate with your own experiences and thoughts. Whether you find yourself in a position to raise funds or to give, what are some of your thoughts and reflections when it comes to a fund raising missionary?