WorldVenture is a faith mission with no central funding. Therefore, missionaries are responsible to raise their own support from churches, family, businesses, organizations, and friends. Commitments are registered with WorldVenture via a commitment form indicating annual amount, frequency, and start date. When commitments equal the support level set by WorldVenture’s overseas fields (based on cost of living and ministry needs), the missionary receives final clearance for departure. Such commitments, though not a legal contract, are almost always fulfilled. Seldom does WorldVenture have to bring a missionary home because of lapsed commitments.

There are many reasons. Most churches make such commitments out of a sense of vision and mission to accomplish the Great Commission. For individuals, it usually starts with the word “relationship.” Many partners also give out of gratitude to God for what He has done for them through Christ. Many partners also give out of obedience to I Corinthians 4:1 to fulfill our stewardship of the Gospel. Many partners have a strong passion to see the Gospel spread among certain people groups or through certain types of ministry. We welcome your partnership with us as together we expand the harvest.

It varies. Support commitments from both churches and individuals have continued for the entire career of some missionaries—as long as 40 years. For practical reasons, WorldVenture suggests that support commitments continue for at least one full term, usually four years. At the conclusion of each term, missionaries return to the U.S. for what is called “home assignment,” an extended time to report to partners, gain new support, renew relationships with extended family, and take additional training. WorldVenture understands that changes in church or family situations may force some commitments to be dropped or changed.

The short answer is, “Ministry effectiveness is compromised.” One unique feature of missionary support is that it includes funds for the work (ministry) in the field on which each missionary serves as well as funds to support the family. Thus, a shortfall in support affects both. A significant shortfall makes it difficult to continue ministering and living overseas, and a trip to the States or an extension of home assignment may be necessary to find additional support. If support does not come in for new missionaries, they cannot begin ministry overseas.

Monthly support includes all of the items that your budget at home might cover—and then some. For example, this would be food, clothing, shelter, transportation, salary, social security, utilities, applicable income taxes, health and life insurance, and retirement. Committed support also includes overseas cost of living adjustments, travel, children’s education, transportation, ministry funds, etc. A flat rate of all total support goes toward missionary and mission care, including the operation of the mission, publications, overseas supervision, administration in the U.S., board meetings, medical emergencies, recruiting and deploying new missionaries, research and planning, training, and counseling.

Like many people pay their bills, missionary support is received monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually, via checks, credit cards, electronic funds transfer, money order, stocks and bonds, and even cash. Gifts and commitments can be made, managed, and reviewed online using our partner community.

In a word, “partnership.” As a partner in ministry, you should expect the communication and relationship necessary to assure you that your financial, time, and prayer support are producing the results you pray for and expect. This usually includes prayer letters, e-mail, personal letters, notes, phone calls, visits, and reports of ministry results. In addition, we also know missionaries are inclined to pray for your needs, hopes, and plans as they become aware of them.

It is very common for support partners to give personal gifts on special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas. However, WorldVenture no longer receives those gifts on our workers’ behalf. Personal gifts are not tax-deductible. Should you wish to give a personal gift, simply contact the worker directly and make arrangements with them, much as you would with a relative or friend.  They’ll be happy to hear from you!

Please contact us at 720-283-2000 with any questions you may have. WorldVenture has donor relations personnel whose goal is to act as your advocate to the mission. We believe it is a miracle that people willingly and joyfully send financial support for a missionary month in and month out over many years. Our goal is to foster a long-term relationship, satisfying to you and to the WorldVenture missionaries you support.