Finding the right mission agency can seem like an overwhelming task. It doesn’t have to be! We have tried to compile a list of key resources, topics & questions you should consider when comparing mission agencies.
Why can finding the right mission agency seem so hard? After hearing from tons of people looking for the right missionary sending agency, we realize that there are a number of key factors that make this process difficult.
- Huge number of mission agencies – there are just so many different mission agencies “on the market”
- You don’t know where to look – there is so much information on the web!
- It’s hard to compare apples to apples – it can be hard to really compare agencies when there is no side by side comparison charts like in most other industries
- It takes a lot of time to research – looking at over 200+ mission agencies can be overwhelming
Our goal is to try to help! In this short article, we have tries to help you with the research and comparison process.
Mission Agency Comparison Chart
For those of you who want to jump right into comparing different mission agencies, we have created helpful little tool called the Mission Agency Comparison Guide. We have compared & analyzed over 30 different missionary agencies by locations they serve, religions that focus on, types ministry etc…
This is not an exhaustive list of mission agencies! There are over 200 different missionary agencies that partner with Mission Nexus, but these are the ones that are actively looking for new missionaries through our website.
The Importance of Comparing Mission Agencies
You might be thinking, “What’s the big deal! Why do I need to worry about comparing agencies?”
I believe that God could give you a specific word about a specific agency. If He does…then you need to obey. Full stop!
But for many of us, God has not given us a specific word about the right agency. We may not even know about certain agencies. Our minds might be limited because we have only heard of a few mission agencies.
I believe God has given us a brain. He wants us to think! He does not expect us to blindly choose a mission agency. He wants us to go through the process of “seeking & then listening”. It is important that you do your due diligence when looking for a mission agency.
During the entire process of comparing mission agencies — gathering information and doing your homework — you need to be asking the Lord for His direction. God speaks to His children & the sheep know his voice.
Comparing Mission Agencies’ Visions
The first thing that we would recommend that you take a look at is the overarching vision of each mission agency. What is it that God has specifically laid on their heart to focus on?
There are many different types of Godly visions. Some agencies are focused on Unreached Peoples while others work mainly on Bible Translation (which impacts unreached peoples). You will want to make sure that the calling the Lord has placed on your heart aligns clearly with the vision of the mission agency.
You can usually find what makes the mission agency’s heart beat from their website OR by talking to one of their mobilization experts.
What is their statement of faith?
Before you jump too far in selecting the best mission agency, you will want to take a look at their statement of faith. As you know, there are a wide variety of denominations & “other groups” that refer to themselves as “Christian”.
Don’t just take them at their word! You will want to have a look at their doctrine & make sure it aligns with Biblical truth.
At The Mission App, we have already checked out the 30+ mission agencies listed on this website to make sure they have solid Biblical statements of faith.
Philosophy of Ministry – Comparing Mission Agencies
It is amazing to me how philosophies of ministry can vary from one mission agency to another. When I first started serving the Lord overseas, I thought there was only one way to spread the Gospel.
One thing is for sure, there are a number of different strategies & ideas for how teams do ministry. Some mission agencies focus solely on one style of ministry while others are more flexible. It is super important that you discuss their philosophy of ministry joining a mission agency.
On a personal note: I still think there is only one way to share the Gospel. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to move mightily, to open blind eyes & to set the captives free from the Kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light. We are His ambassadors! We should be ready at all times to speak His message & His agenda to the lost around us.
Comparing where they focus their work
Depending on your calling, you may be looking for a mission agency that works in a certain location. Let’s say that God is calling your to work in Indonesia. How in the world can you narrow down the missionary sending agencies that work in Indonesia?
One way is to just contact all of the different agencies & ask them if they work in Indonesia. This seems to be a little tedious.
An easier solution would be to use an online search / filter tool that will allow you to narrow down the number of organizations based on their areas they work.
The simplest solution that I can think of is to contact our team at The Mission App and allow our experts to help match you to the organizations that work in your desired location.
Comparing Mission Agencies does not have to be hard
One final note on comparing mission agencies…it doesn’t have to be hard.
Here at The Mission App, we have tried to make the process as easy as possible. You can quickly & easily use our Agency Finder Tool or you can just fill out the simple application. Our team of experts can help you along your journey as you look to find the right mission agency.