Missions21 is unique. When something is unique, people often wonder: Is it even necessary?

When it comes to independent Baptist missions, the answer is a resounding yes, it is necessary.

The growth of the missionary workforce is simply not keeping pace with world population growth. This means we have continually more people to reach and fewer people to reach them. We can’t afford to continue operating with 20th-century tools in a 21st-century world. We must be smarter, more efficient, and more effective in connecting the mission field with the local church.

What Cannot Change? (The Biblical Foundation)

It is crucial to state upfront: Missions21 is not about changing the Bible. There are some things that cannot change in how we approach missions, and these remain our foundation:

• Local Church Authority: As efficient as it might seem to send all of our money to a central clearing house, that is not Biblical. The local church’s authority and direct involvement in sending and supporting missionaries must remain central.
• Encouraging Involvement: The goal is not just to “get missionaries to the field,” but also to encourage the church member to involve themselves in the work of global evangelization.

The foundation is firm. It’s the method of connection that has desperately needed an upgrade.

What Needs a 21st-Century Upgrade? (The Method)

The way missionaries connect with churches is an antique. For over 70 years, the primary method has remained the same, while nearly every other aspect of life and ministry has advanced significantly.

Imagine using a car or a television from the 1950s today. They weren’t bad products, but the technology has seen countless advancements! Yet, in missions, many are still using the outdated, costly model:

The Outdated ’50s Model:

• Back then: Missionaries mailed physical packets to churches and then made phone calls to the church’s landline.
• Today: They are often still doing the exact same thing.
• Back then: Churches called mission boards to ask for lists of missionaries on deputation.
• Today: They are still doing the exact same thing.

Why This Method Creates Huge Roadblocks:

• High Cost & Low Return: Those paper packets can cost as much as $4.00 each to print and mail, burning through support before the missionary even gets to the field.
• Disconnected Communication: Pastors primarily use their cell phones and rarely answer the church’s landline. Voicemails are often lost in a sea of administrative noise.
• Frustration and Delay: The missionary is stuck banging their proverbial head against the wall, trying to get through the gatekeepers just to share their story.

The Problem for the Local Church

This outdated process isn’t just inefficient for the missionary; it’s a huge disadvantage for the local church as well.

Because the system relies solely on who can afford the paper packet and who can get a phone call through, churches don’t necessarily see the best missionaries—the ones that truly mesh with their church’s unique vision and missions program.

Pastors often end up selecting from “the ones that they got (packets for)” instead of deliberately selecting “the ones that they want (that fit their church’s DNA).”

Missions21: Find the Right Missionary, Right Now.

Missions21 is the 21st-century connections hub that addresses this crucial issue head-on.

We put the essential information for every independent Baptist missionary right at your fingertips. Now, you can:

• Stop cold-calling missions agencies just to see who they have available.
• Stop playing “eenie-meenie-miney-moe” with your missions program.
• Start utilizing powerful search filters to identify missionaries that match your church’s location, language focus, and ministry style.

By using Missions21, your church is equipped to be smarter, faster, and more aligned with its global vision.

Ready to streamline your missions giving and connect with your next long-term partner?

Visit Missions21.com today to get started.