A Church Guide To Missions FAQ
Welcome to your Church's Mission Toolkit
This guide is designed for pastors, church mission leaders, and those who want to build or strengthen their church’s involvement in global missions. Here, you’ll find clear answers to common questions, practical tools, and next steps to help your church grow a meaningful and sustainable missions focus.
Section One
Understanding God's Global Mission
The PAOC's Part in God's Global Mission
As a global Fellowship, the PAOC exists to glorify God by making disciples in every nation. Our commitment to mission isn’t just organizational—it’s foundational. Through Mission Global, the PAOC connects churches across Canada with global workers, strategic partnerships, and Spirit-led initiatives that bring the gospel to those who have yet to hear it.
This section highlights how the PAOC as a whole—through its values, structure, and global partnerships—supports and advances the mission of God around the world.
What is the PAOC’s mission strategy?
PAOC’s mission strategy focuses on:
Reaching: Spreading the gospel in regions with little or no access to the message of Christ.
Church planting: Establishing new churches, especially in underserved or unreached areas.
Caring: Providing aid to communities facing extreme poverty, natural disasters, or other crises.
Equipping: Training and empowering local leaders to carry out sustainable ministry and growth.
Why do we go through Mission Global/Mission Canada?
We go because the Gospel invites us—and the world still waits to hear.
In Romans 10, Paul asks, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” The answer is clear: the Church must go, send, and speak. And in Acts 1:8, Jesus commissions His followers to be witnesses—empowered by the Spirit—to their local communities and to the ends of the earth.
At the PAOC, this is our shared calling. Together—through Mission Global—we respond by sending workers, resourcing churches, and partnering in places where Jesus is not yet known. But this mission doesn’t belong to a few—it belongs to us all.
What is our response?
Our response to God’s call is shared—between the PAOC and you.
The PAOC equips, sends, and supports global workers and churches through Mission Global, building partnerships and providing resources to advance God’s mission worldwide.
You and your church respond by praying, giving, sending, and actively engaging in mission—whether locally or globally. Together, we form a unified body, joining God’s work in reaching the nations.
Mission is a shared journey, and both the PAOC and your church have essential roles to play.
Mission Global's Part in God's Global Mission
God’s heart has always been for the nations. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals a consistent call for His people to go, send, and reach those who have not yet heard. At the PAOC, Mission Global exists to help churches in Canada join that mission—by equipping, sending, and supporting workers who carry the hope of Jesus to the least-reached and most vulnerable.
This section will help you understand what Mission Global does, how our Global Workers serve, and how your church can play a strategic role in fulfilling the Great Commission.
What exactly does Mission Global do?
Mission Global exists to help Canadian churches fulfill the Great Commission. Through sending, training, and supporting PAOC global workers, we aim to reach the least-reached and serve the most vulnerable with the hope of Jesus.
“We glorify God in our going and in our sending.”
[Download: What Is Mission Global? PDF →]
Check out our 2025 impact report to see what mission global has done this past year.
Who are our Global Workers and where do they serve?
PAOC Global Workers/Mission Canada Workers serve in diverse regions around the world—from urban cities to rural villages—working in church planting, evangelism, leadership training, and community development. Some are in sensitive contexts (RAN), where secure communication is vital.
Global Volunteers serve alongside PAOC Global Workers or partners for a short term (typically under one year)*. They support mission efforts through practical roles—like teaching, administration, healthcare, or outreach—helping extend the work already underway.
[Meet Our Workers → link to GW page]
[Connect with a Global Worker → Request Form]
How is funding used?
Mission dollars support salaries, field expenses, outreach, and approved projects. Workers follow approved budgets, reviewed by leadership and the PAOC General Executive. Churches can request project validation to ensure alignment and accountability.
[How Mission Dollars Work → Downloadable Graphic]
[Why We Send → Biblical & Denominational PDF]
What is the PAOC’s mission strategy?
PAOC’s mission strategy focuses on:
Reaching: Spreading the gospel in regions with little or no access to the message of Christ.
Church planting: Establishing new churches, especially in underserved or unreached areas.
Equipping: Training and empowering local leaders to carry out sustainable ministry and growth.
Caring: Providing aid to communities facing extreme poverty, natural disasters, or other crises.
Mission Canada's Part in God's Global Mission
God’s heart has always been for the nations. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals a consistent call for His people to go, send, and reach those who have not yet heard. At the PAOC, Mission Global exists to help churches in Canada join that mission—by equipping, sending, and supporting workers who carry the hope of Jesus to the least-reached and most vulnerable.
This section will help you understand what Mission Global does, how our Global Workers serve, and how your church can play a strategic role in fulfilling the Great Commission.
What exactly does Mission Canada do?
Write content to answer to common questions your customers may have about your products, shipping policies..
Who are our Mission Canada workers and where do they serve?
PAOC Global Workers/Mission Canada Workers serve in diverse regions around the world—from urban cities to rural villages—working in church planting, evangelism, leadership training, and community development. Some are in sensitive contexts (RAN), where secure communication is vital.
Global Volunteers serve alongside PAOC Global Workers or partners for a short term (typically under one year)*. They support mission efforts through practical roles—like teaching, administration, healthcare, or outreach—helping extend the work already underway.
[Meet Our Workers → link to GW page]
[Connect with a Global Worker → Request Form]
How is funding used?
Mission dollars support salaries, field expenses, outreach, and approved projects. Workers follow approved budgets, reviewed by leadership and the PAOC General Executive. Churches can request project validation to ensure alignment and accountability.
[How Mission Dollars Work → Downloadable Graphic]
[Why We Send → Biblical & Denominational PDF]
What is the PAOC’s mission strategy?
PAOC’s mission strategy focuses on:
Reaching: Spreading the gospel in regions with little or no access to the message of Christ.
Church planting: Establishing new churches, especially in underserved or unreached areas.
Equipping: Training and empowering local leaders to carry out sustainable ministry and growth.
Caring: Providing aid to communities facing extreme poverty, natural disasters, or other crises.
Section Two
How can I mobilize my Church?
Building a Missions Culture in Your Church
Mobilizing your church for global mission starts with vision and intentionality. Every local church—no matter its size or location—has a role in God’s mission to reach Canada and the nations.
This section offers practical steps to help you build a missions culture that goes beyond occasional giving or events.
How can I make global missions a bigger part of our church DNA?
Start with vision. Build a Mission Leadership Team, define a two-year plan, and integrate global missions into every ministry area—from kids to Sunday services.
[Guide: Building a Sustainable Mission Team → PDF]
[Mission Sundays Made Easy → Slide Pack & Story Kit]
[Ways to Keep Missions Front & Centre → Downloadable Email Template + Prayer Slide]
How do I inspire my people to care about Canada and the nations?
Involve them. Share stories, invite workers to connect via video or in person, and teach about God’s heart for the nations regularly. Let people feel the mission.
[Monthly Global Focus Kit → Downloadable Email Template + Prayer Slide]
[Teaching: Your Role in the Great Commission → Devotional]
How can we effectively communicate about missions to my congregation?
- Storytelling: Share personal stories from Global Workers about their experiences, challenges, and victories.
- Mission Sundays: Dedicate specific services or events to highlight the importance of missions and the work being done around the world.
- Resource sharing: Use PAOC materials, mission videos, and prayer guides to engage the congregation found here (link)
Section Three
What about Engaging with Kids & Youth?
Nurturing a Heart for Mission from a Young Age
Many of our Global Workers and Mission Canada workers first received their call to mission as children or teens. We encourage you to create spaces where your youth can hear about God’s great mission. When kids get excited about missions, their families and friends often catch that excitement too.
Building a missions mindset and a God-centered worldview is an important part of discipling children and youth—helping them grow into passionate followers who understand God’s heart for the world.
How Can We Celebrate Missions Sundays with Kids and Youth?
Plan special Missions Sundays featuring engaging stories, prayer times, and worship focused on global mission. Invite Global Workers to share via video or in person to bring real-life experiences. Include age-appropriate activities like crafts, mission-themed games, or interactive quizzes to help kids connect with the message.
Resources:
- Kids Missions Sunday Planning Kit → Download
- Prayer Slides for Kids → Download
What Types of Mission Projects Can Kids and Youth Participate In?
Prayer, giving, and serving are powerful ways for kids and youth to join God’s mission. Whether it’s praying for unreached people groups, fundraising to support Global Workers, or putting together care packages, these projects help them engage in meaningful ways.
How Do We Help Kids and Youth Develop a Heart for Missions?
The journey starts with regular teaching about God’s heart for the nations. Use Bible stories, prayer, and worship to build a missions mindset. Encourage kids to pray using resources like prayer maps, and invite them to give and serve regularly. Over time, this consistent focus helps young disciples grow into passionate mission partners.
Resources to support your teaching: *
Section Four
How do I talk about giving?
Framing Giving as Partnership in God’s Mission
Giving to missions is more than financial support—it's a partnership in God's global mission. Churches often wrestle with how to handle “the ask,” avoid donor fatigue, and create long-term, healthy partnerships with global workers.
This section helps you approach giving with clarity, kindness, and kingdom purpose.
How do I explain the need for financial support?
Frame giving as Kingdom investment. Connect dollars to real impact. Use clear communication around giving timelines, amounts, and goals.
[Template: Talking About Support → Sample Script]
[Why Giving to Mission Global Is Kingdom Investment → Video]
How can you set clear expectations for support?
Healthy partnerships begin with open communication. If your church already has a giving plan or budget cycle, let PAOC workers know how decisions are made and what the process looks like.
[Support Commitment Template → Downloadable PDF]
Example language:
“Thanks for reaching out! Our missions budget is set for the year, but we’d love to stay connected. Feel free to send us your newsletter and apply to our Missions Team in the fall for future support.”
You can also outline typical support levels:
- First-year workers receive $200/month
- After one year, support may increase to $300/month
- Partnerships are reviewed annually each January
What if we need to change or stop support?
Be considerate and timely. If you need to adjust or end support, try to give at least six months’ notice. Reducing support gradually helps workers plan. Sudden drops can significantly affect their ministry.
How do I address giving fatigue?
Keep the mission personal. Celebrate wins, share updates, and involve people beyond giving—through prayer, connection, and care. Avoid guilt; invite vision.
Some of our best churches do a monthly missions update on a Sunday - this consistent connection strengthens missions giving and prayer.
[Talking About Money Without Guilt → Pastor Tips PDF]
[Ways to celebrate Mission - PDF]
[Church Giving Impact Report → Editable Template]
How do we ensure long-term support for our Global Workers?
- Consistent communication: Keep in touch with Global Workers regularly to maintain a connection and assess evolving needs.
- Revisit support commitments: Have periodic evaluations to adjust financial contributions or other forms of support to meet the changing needs of workers.
- Church-wide engagement: Keep missions at the forefront of church life by involving more members in support roles, whether through prayer, donations, or volunteering for missions projects.
What about sensitive, RAN contexts globally and within Canada?
Always ask RAN workers directly about their preferred communication methods. Do not assume typical contact is safe.
For help, contact: info@rannetwork.com
Best practices for partnering with RAN workers: (PDF)
Section Five
Clarifying Roles in Missions Partnerships
Understanding the Church’s Role in Healthy Mission Partnerships
Healthy missions partnerships include trust, clarity, and mutual accountability. While churches are not responsible for evaluating a Global/Mission Canada Worker’s job performance, they do play a key role in reviewing partnerships, ensuring alignment, and confirming project legitimacy.
This section helps clarify those roles and boundaries.
Should we evaluate the worker’s performance?
No. Performance reviews are handled by Mission Global or Mission Canada leadership. Churches should review the strength of their partnership, but be careful to not manage the worker’s job.
Mission leadership reviews job performance, funding strength, budget, strategic fit, and the well being of the worker. Thus, these areas have a strong system of care already.
If you have serious concerns, contact: nancy.gibson@paoc.org
[Global Worker annual review form template]
Can we ask for project validation?
Yes—and you should. For any major financial ask (like a building project or relief initiative), confirm it has been reviewed and approved by Mission Global or Mission Canada. This ensures accountability and alignment with PAOC’s values and structures.
Are you meeting your commitments?
It's a two way street building a two way partnership.
True mission partnership goes beyond writing a cheque—it’s about building a mutual, ongoing relationship. While financial support is important, it’s only one part of a healthy partnership. A thriving connection with a Global Worker involves communication, prayer, encouragement, and shared mission vision.
Ask yourself:
- Are we regularly communicating with the Global Worker we support?
- Do we take time to pray for them as a church or leadership team?
- Are we responding to their updates, emails, or newsletters with genuine interest and care?
Healthy mission partnerships are intentional. They grow stronger when both the church and the worker invest in the relationship. Measuring your engagement is a way to ensure you're not just funding missions—but actively participating in God’s global work.
Section Six
How can I Partner with a Global Worker/ Mission Canada Worker?
Partnering in Mission: Through Relationship, Care, and Prayer
Effective mission partnership is more than financial—it’s relational, intentional, and spiritually grounded. Each Global Worker or Mission Canada worker represents a unique calling, and your church has the opportunity to walk alongside them in meaningful ways. This begins by discerning partnerships that align with your church’s vision, and continues through ongoing care, consistent communication, and a shared commitment to their well-being.
Caring for workers includes understanding the emotional, spiritual, and cultural challenges they face, and responding with practical support, encouragement, and presence—both from afar and through shared experiences like short-term trips. At the heart of it all is prayer. Prayer is not an afterthought but the foundation of every enduring mission effort. By praying with and for workers, churches align with what the Spirit is doing globally, becoming active participants in God's mission.
This section equips you to build strong, sustainable, and Spirit-led partnerships that empower workers and engage your church in God’s global story.
How do I choose a Global Worker/Mission Canada Worker to support?
Consider alignment with your church’s mission, relational history, field priorities, or strategic focus areas (e.g., least-reached, urban, youth).
[How to Adopt a Worker → Step-by-Step Guide PDF]
Can our church go visit or do short-term trips?
Yes—with preparation. The Mission Global Mobilization team offers Discovery Trips and resources for planning STM teams well. Training is key.
[Short-Term Mission Planning 101 → Download]
[Discovery Trip Info → Learn More link to landing page]
[Ask Before You Go → Trip Planning Questions]
How can we build a relationship beyond just sending money?
Stay in regular contact: Ask workers to send newsletters every 2 months, do annual video calls, and keep your missions board updated with new photos.
Recognize life moments: Birthdays and anniversaries go a long way. Simple gestures create lasting connection.
Visit in person: Plan short-term trips or pastoral visits to encourage your worker on the ground (with guidance from Mission Global if in a sensitive RAN area).
Include them in church life: Invite them to conferences, services, podcasts, or even your church newsletter when appropriate.
Invite Global Workers to contribute to your church’s growth: Leverage their experience and calling to strengthen your ministry.
- For example, if your Global Worker is a church planter and your church is exploring planting in the future, invite them to share their insights with your leadership team or congregation. Their firsthand perspective can inspire, equip, and guide your next steps.
What’s the Value of Visiting a Worker in Person?
A visit can strengthen the partnership. It helps your church see the ministry firsthand, build trust, and better understand the culture and context where your worker serves. Whether it’s sending a pastor, team member, or small group, in-person visits help turn partnership into shared mission—and often inspire future goers and senders.
How you can visit in person: Plan short-term trips or pastoral visits to encourage your worker on the ground (with guidance from Mission Global if in a sensitive RAN area).
How Can We Pray for the Unreached?
Billions of people around the world still have little or no access to the gospel. Praying for the unreached connects your church to what’s most urgent in the mission of God.
Ideas to engage your church in prayer for the unreached:
- Introduce one unreached people group each month in a service or small group.
- Use tools like Joshua Project to share statistics, stories, and prayer points.
- Lead short prayer moments during worship services focused on specific nations or regions.
Resources:
weekly prayer post
prayer initiative
How Can We Pray for Global Workers and Mission Canada Workers?
Global/Mission Canada Workers face spiritual resistance, cultural challenges, and personal sacrifice. Your church’s prayers bring strength, covering, and clarity to those living out the gospel in often difficult places.
Ways to pray for workers more intentionally:
- Share prayer updates from your partnered worker during services or small groups
- Assign small groups or families to “adopt” a worker and pray regularly
- Host a prayer night when a team is about to visit or send someone short-term
- Encourage workers to send short videos or voice notes with real-time prayer needs
Prayer focus areas:
- Spiritual protection and discernment
- Gospel impact and open doors
- Cultural adaptation and local partnerships
- Emotional and physical health
What About Our RAN Workers? — Partnering with Care in Sensitive Contexts
RAN (Restricted Access Nation) Global Workers serve in regions where security risks are high and privacy is essential. Supporting them requires a unique level of caution, trust, and intentionality. Above all, we must remember: “The RAN Worker is the Person at Risk.” Their safety depends on how we communicate, share information, and respect their boundaries.
This section outlines how your church can partner wisely and securely with RAN workers—honoring their safety needs, following communication protocols, and seeking guidance when uncertain. Your careful partnership ensures they can continue their mission without unnecessary risk.
What makes RAN work different from other mission partnerships?
RAN workers serve in areas where public association with Christian mission can place them—and local communities—at real risk. Each worker faces unique challenges based on the country they’re in. Therefore, they alone must determine what level of communication or exposure is safe.
Our role is to honor their requests and support them with wisdom, prayer, and discretion.
How can I learn the proper communication protocols for RAN partnerships?
For churches or individuals looking to partner wisely:
You can request a detailed copy of the RAN GW Partnership Protocols by emailing:
info@rannetwork.com
When requesting, include:
- Your full name
- Your email address
- Your home church’s name and location
This document will guide you in communicating and supporting in a secure and appropriate manner.
Can I mention or share updates about a RAN worker online or on social media?
Please do not post anything about RAN workers on public platforms—including:
- Church websites
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.)
- Newsletters or bulletins posted online
Even print materials like PDFs or brochures become searchable once uploaded online.
If a prayer card, newsletter, or email says:
“DO NOT DISTRIBUTE OR POST IN PUBLIC” — please honor that instruction.
When in doubt, always ask the worker directly or email: info@rannetwork.com
What should I do if I’m unsure about what’s safe to share?
If you're unsure whether something is safe to share or post, err on the side of caution. The best practice is to check with the RAN worker first—or reach out to the RAN Network directly.
Together, we can protect those serving in sensitive areas while remaining faithful, encouraging partners in the mission of God.
Section Seven
How Do I start a Missions Leadership Team?
Building a Dedicated Team to Lead Your Church’s Vision
A strong missions leadership team is key to keeping global and national outreach at the heart of church life—not just as an event or offering, but as part of your DNA.
This section outlines how to form a healthy team, cast vision, create a sustainable plan, and empower people to lead with clarity and passion.
Why should my church have a Missions Leadership Team?
A Missions Leadership Team helps your church stay engaged in God’s global mission—not just for a season, but as part of your ongoing identity. The team keeps momentum during leadership transitions, helps communicate with PAOC workers, and inspires the congregation to pray, give, and go.
Who should be on the team?
Look for people who are passionate about missions, committed to your church, and open to God’s leading. Include a mix of pastoral staff, board members, and congregation members from different age groups. Someone with missions experience (short or long-term) is a bonus—but not required. Willing hearts matter most.
What's a good first step?
Start by setting a 6-month working period to form the team and build structure. Define the team’s initial purpose, expectations, and meeting rhythm. Keep it focused and time-bound so that momentum isn’t lost in endless planning.
What does a 6-month launch process look like?
Month 1–2: Gather your team and review your church’s past missions activities, fast and pray for God's direction.
Month 3–4: Begin crafting a new missions vision that aligns with your church’s overall mission.
Month 5–6: Write a vision statement, identify key goals, and prepare to present the plan to your pastor/board
How do we cast vision and get the whole church on board?
Use storytelling, consistent prayer, and regular updates to invite the congregation in. Cast a clear, inspiring vision for how your church can impact the nations. Involve all age groups—including kids and youth.
Remember: many PAOC workers first heard their call while they were young.
I.e. Our local church gives a 10 min monthly update on giving and missions activity to the congregation.
How Do We Create a Missions Strategy That Lasts?
Once your Missions Leadership Team is in place, it’s time to dream long-term. A sustainable strategy includes intentional plans for prayer, giving, sending, and communication. With these elements in place, missions can move from being a one-time event to becoming part of your church’s DNA.
Why do we need a long-term missions strategy and who should lead it?
A sustainable missions strategy ensures your church stays focused on God’s global mission and provides consistent care for your workers. It prevents missions from being overlooked during pastoral transitions or busy seasons.
The ideal leaders for this strategy are your Missions Leadership Team, who can connect the church with your workers and Mission Global, and keep the vision alive.
What core areas should our strategy cover?
Focus on four key streams:
- Prayer: Build regular, ongoing rhythms of intercession for workers and fields.
- Giving: Develop a transparent, sustainable financial support plan that the whole church can participate in.
- Sending: Equip people for both short-term and long-term mission opportunities.
- Communication: Tell stories of impact and keep missions visible in your church community.
How do we build a healthy prayer and giving culture?
Create simple rhythms—share prayer points in services, host prayer meetings, and provide guides, disciple. Set clear giving goals, share stories of impact, involve all generations, and review support annually.
How can we prepare and send people well?*
Identify opportunities for short-term trips and long-term service, and partner with Mission Global for training such as STM preparation and Discovery Trips. Build a "sending pipeline" to equip future workers with the tools, vision, and support they need. Commission and celebrate those going, making sending a meaningful and visible part of church life.
How do we keep missions visible and the strategy fresh?
Brand your missions vision with visuals and taglines, host mission-themed events, feature workers regularly, and review your strategy annually to celebrate wins and adjust goals.
How can We Go & Send
Mobilizing your church means equipping and sending those whom God has called to cross-cultural mission, while also nurturing a sending culture within your congregation. Going and sending are two sides of the same mission coin—both vital to advancing the gospel globally.
Through prayer, training, and partnership with Mission Global, your church can identify, prepare, and support those called to go, while embracing the role of sending with intentional care and commitment.
How can the local church participate in sending?
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