Advantage and Disadvantages of Self-Supported Missions

Advantages

1. Self-supported missionaries (SSMs) model priesthood of all believers, and counters the unbiblical understanding that the only (or even best) ministers are paid professionals. SSMs broaden the definition of ministry, and consequently teach others that ministry is broader than the church staff.

2. SSMs do not perpetuate an unhealthy dependency on a preacher.

3. SSMs have natural channels for establishing relationships with non-Christians. This may be especially important for establishing credibility with urban professionals in order to increase stability of newly planted churches.

4. SSMs are not a financial burden to the church. There are limited funds, and therefore not all missionaries can be supported by the church. The fields need more harvesters than the funds will supply.

5. Some countries are closed to persons applying for permission to enter as church supported missionaries.

6. Where there is an anti-clerical spirit, the self-supported missionary may have more credibility.

7. The SSM may be perceived as a satisfied customer, rather than as a paid representative.

8. Longevity in locations not dependent on church support.

9. Churches planted on indigenous principles may fair better if church support is not a part of the planting.

10. For women who find it difficult to obtain church support, self-supported missions makes it easier for them to get into mission fields. E.g. Nursing.

11. There is great personal satisfaction in earning one¹s own way.

12. The worker pool is vastly increased. Regarding the issue of church or self support in world missions, we need a both-and approach.


Disadvantages

1. Time available to put toward evangelism and to cross-cultural adaptation is greatly limited (cf. Paul¹s statement in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35) about being married; interests, time, energies are divided). Learning a language, learning a culture, cultivating relationships, strategizing, all take large amounts of time.

2. Training is usually limited. How much expertise is required to do ministry?

3. Some people live in cultures where clergy function in important roles in people¹s lives. Some will only talk to a priest (i.e., "the one who handles the holy things").

4. The worker may be transferred at the will of an employer, thus making it difficult to count on long-term presence.

Learn about our Vocational Ministry.