Frequently Asked Questions: Missionary Support
What is the benefit of an official Covenant Relationship?
Covenanting churches will receive regular communication from missionaries as well as receive priority during a missionary's itineration schedule. A documented commitment will establish open lines of communication with Global Ministries in regards to missionary retirements, assignments, etc. It is important that churches complete the Covenant Relationship Acceptance Agreement Form and establish a covenant with a missionary.
How can I find a missionary's Advance support code?
Find the missionary's biography by searching the Missionary Biography web page. Each missionary's biography has his/her code, a link to track gifts, as well as background information and links to family members in mission service.
How does a local church find out specific information about a missionary and their work?
Read about missionaries at the Missionary Biography web page.The missionary will be your best source of information. A personal connection is the hallmark of a Covenant Relationship. Many missionaries have newsletters, websites and blogs.
How do we choose a missionary to support?
The choice is yours! Find missionaries related to your annual conference by visiting the Missionary Biography web page or contact your Conference Secretary of Global Ministries. Choosing a missionary related to your annual conference ensures they itinerate in your area while on itineration assignment.
Interested in a particular region of the world or type of ministry? Whether your congregation seeks to support growing Latino ministries in the United States, health care in rural Africa, or church development in Europe, the United Methodist Church has missionaries serving in these ministries that need the support and prayers of your local church.
How does a church's financial gift support missionaries?
Gifts from local churches support the entire missionary community on behalf of and in the name of one missionary through a Covenant Relationship.
What is the total cost of a missionary?
The approximate cost is $55,000 per year, but it is important to note that this figure varies depending upon the missionary program and where the missionary is assigned to serve. About 20-25% of $55,000 goes toward salary support. The remaining 75-80% provides supporting including training, itineration costs, housing, insurance and wellness benefits, pension, cost of living adjustments and children's education when necessary.
How are missionaries funded?
A significant benefit of the connectional church is that every missionary is supported from four combined financial support sources: (1) Covenant Relationships (The Advance), (2) World Service Fund (Apportionments), (3) United Methodist Women Mission Giving and (4) and residuals from trusts and investments. The Covenant Relationship is the most critical source to increase missionary support.
Are missionaries required to raise their own financial support before they can be commissioned?
No. The General Board of Global Ministries does not require missionaries to raise support before they start their term of service, but they are encouraged to foster Covenant Relationships.
Can local churches covenant jointly with a missionary couple?
Yes. When a church commits to support a missionary couple, the pledge is split evenly between both individuals. For example, if a church commits to pledge $2,500 John and Jane Doe, $1,250 will be designated towards John Doe and $1,250 will be designated towards Jane Doe. Missionaries are treated as individuals for administrative purposes.
What happens after The Advance receives a Covenant Relationship Acceptance Agreement form?
A confirmation letter is sent to the contact person on the form and a copy of the letter is also sent to the Conference Secretary of Global Ministries. Missionaries are notified of supporting churches in quarterly donor reports from Global Ministries.
How many missionaries need support from local United Methodist churches through Covenant Relationships?
There are over 300 missionaries available for Covenant Relationships in over 60 countries.
How many churches participate in a Covenant Relationship with a missionary?
In 2007, about 9% of United Methodist churches gave to missionary support. However, only about 5% of congregations are in an official Covenant Relationship.
Are there missionaries available for speaking engagements?
Click here to see more about "Missionaries Visiting Churches" .
