Church Examples of Commissioning Missionaries

This resource helps church leaders understand and practice biblical missionary commissioning based on the example of the church at Antioch in Acts 13. It explores key elements of commissioning—such as worship, communal affirmation, prayer, and the laying on of hands—and offers practical guidance for planning meaningful, church-wide commissioning events. It includes real-life examples from churches that demonstrate how to commission missionaries through an entire Sunday service, a portion of a service, or a sending-themed benediction.

Commissioning takes place when a sending church publicly sets apart missionaries for the work to which God has called them. One of the clearest examples of commissioning given to us in Scripture occurs in the church at Antioch in Acts 13. There we read,

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went… Acts 13:1–4a

There are a number of things we can learn about commissioning from this passage:

Commissioning Takes Place in the Context of the Local Church

For decades it has been normal practice for missionaries to be commissioned (or “appointed”) primarily by their missions organization. While it certainly makes sense for missions organizations to celebrate the appointment of missionaries, the biblical example for commissioning is in the context of the local church. That is where Barnabas and Saul were commissioned, and it is also where they returned after finishing their work (Acts 14:24–28). 

Commissioning Occurs Because of the Communal Recognition of God’s Calling

Notice that the Holy Spirit didn’t just speak to Barnabas and Saul about their missionary call but to all the prophets and teachers at Antioch as well. Those leaders then confirmed this calling through further fasting and prayer (13:3). Thus commissioning should be the culmination of a communal process—the public affirmation from multiple church leaders and members that the missionaries are indeed called and qualified. 

Commissioning is a Sacred Event That Includes Worship and Prayer

We can only imagine how momentous it was for the church at Antioch to send out two of their very best and beloved leaders. The only way they could have made such a sacrifice would have been with a deep conviction about the supreme worth of Christ. They also would have had a sobriety about the nations’ need for the gospel and the daunting nature of the task. Thus worship and prayer reminds both the sending church and the missionaries that the glorious risen Christ has all authority in heaven and earth and that we are sent in that authority (Matthew 28:18–19a). It also rests their dependence upon “the Lord of the harvest” (Luke 10:2). 

Commissioning Involves the Laying on of Hands 

The act of laying on hands has a rich biblical history. In the Old Testament it marked the transfer of authority and wisdom (Numbers 27:23; Deuteronomy 34:9). In the New Testament it was associated with receiving the Spirit (Acts 8:17), healing from blindness (Acts 9:17), baptism (Acts 19:6), receiving a spiritual gift for ministry (1 Timothy 4:14), and restoring a person to the church (1 Timothy 5:22). In Acts 13 it represented the church’s recognition of the Holy Spirit’s calling, Barnabas and Saul’s appointment as representatives of the church, and the belief that God would bless them. In light of these examples, it will be meaningful not only to lay hands on the missionaries but also to give some explanation as to why the church is doing so. 

Commissioning Is the Beginning of the Journey, Not the End

Because we have the benefit of knowing that Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch when the work to which they had been commissioned was fulfilled (Acts 14:24–28), we can see how Antioch’s relationship with these missionaries was ongoing. Their commissioning was not the end of the church’s participation in global missions—it was more like the beginning. To borrow an analogy from Jesus, it’s not fitting to lay our hands on the plow and then look back or let go (Luke 9:62). Thus, commissioning is more than a holy goodbye. Instead, it indicates a commitment not just to warm regards but to an ongoing, reciprocal relationship. 

Commissioning Involves the Entire Church

It is common for a traditional commissioning to unintentionally place the missionaries on a pedestal. As a result, church members can easily walk away impressed with the calling of the missionaries and dejected about their own calling (“I could never be like them.”). Holistic commissioning should instead reinforce everyone’s commission to be a faithful witness, no matter their particular context. It also provides the opportunity for the sending church to be commissioned as “fellow workers for the truth” (3 John 8) in their support of the missionaries. 

Church Examples

The following examples of commissioning were taken from various churches. Feel free to copy or adapt any of them for your own church’s commissionings. The first example includes an entire Sunday service devoted to the theme of commissioning, which is ideal for a sending church but not always possible. The second example is a commissioning that takes place during only a portion of a Sunday service. The final section then provides numerous examples of commissioning-themed benedictions to utilize for the entire congregation at the end of Sunday services (whether a missionary has been commissioned during the service or not). 

Example #1: Entire Sunday Service

Call to Worship: Good morning and welcome to ________ Church! My name is ________, and I'm one of the pastors here. If you're new to our church, we’re so glad you came! We hope that you feel welcome today. 

Today is a great joy for us as a church, as we are commissioning one of our members, [missionary’s name, if no security concerns], to Thailand. However, our desire today isn’t to make much of [missionary’s name], but to make much of Jesus Christ, who calls ALL of us to live as sent ones wherever we are. Since today will be her last Sunday gathering for a long time, we have asked her to choose today’s songs from among her favorites. Later in our gathering she will also help serve communion one last time. Even though it is bittersweet to send those we love to places far away, we do this remembering, as Galatians 4 teaches, that God first sent the Son he loved, so that we might receive adoption as sons and daughters. With his Spirit now sent into our hearts, let’s send out and sing out from our hearts…

Song: “His Mercy Is More”

Confession: Hear the word of the Lord from Paul the apostle: 

“Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others . . . For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised . . . Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God . . . Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” 2 Corinthians 5:11, 13-15, 20-6:1

Church, we have received great grace through Jesus Christ. We have been reconciled to God through him who knew no sin. And now, we have been called to help in the reconciliation of others to God. Let’s not take that gift for granted. If we are to do this, we must be fully dependent on the Lord at all times. Let’s sing of our need for him now.

Song: “Lord I Need You”

Giving: Church, giving is one of the ways we are privileged to participate in God's mission both here and around the world. Know that an ongoing portion of what we give helps fund missionaries like [missionary’s name]. As the giving baskets go around, if you’re a visitor please grab a visitor card and fill it out. If you’re not a Christian, we’re not asking for your money. We are just thankful you are here. Now, let us continue to sing of the One who is worthy of all we have to give…

Song: “Is He Worthy?”

Commissioning: You may be seated. My name is [pastor’s name], and I'm one of the pastors here. At this time we would like to invite [missionary’s name] to join us on stage. As she comes I want to explain a term you will hear often around here: “goers.” “Goers” is the term we’ve given to members who have been sent to proclaim the gospel elsewhere. Since these members still belong to our church family, we think of them as going to represent us in other parts of the world.

Before [missionary’s name] joins the ranks of our goers, we want to take time to hear from her.

1) [Missionary’s name], we recognize that God doesn’t just care about us being sent out, but also the process it takes to get there. What has the journey been like leading up to this commissioning?

2) As a church we don’t just want to love you well, but also the people you’ll be serving. So tell us more about where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and who you’ll be serving.

3) The most significant way we can participate daily in your life and ministry is through prayer. So how can we pray for you as your sending church?

4) One of the ways that God loves to use missionaries is to spur on their sending church. Do you have a parting word you’d like to share with us as a body?

[Missionary’s name], thank you so much for sharing with us. At this time let me lead us in affirming our covenant to have an ongoing, reciprocal relationship. When sending out a beloved member like we are today, it’s easy to slip into mere sentimentality and best wishes, hoping for the best when it comes to staying in touch. But the reality of sending is much harder. To be done biblically and done well, it requires intentionality and accountability on both ends. That is what this part of the liturgy is all about. This covenant lends a gravity to what we are doing today in sending out [missionary’s name], and it provides a framework for the accountability for her to go well, and we as a church to send well.

Church members, please stand as we affirm our covenant to [missionary’s name]. Our responsibilities include:

1) Praying for her and the people she serves in Sunday gatherings, small groups, advocacy teams, and our households. 

2) Overseeing and cultivating the effectiveness of an Advocate for her, who is the [Advocate’s name].

3) Providing care visits to her with the goal of one per term.

4) Being available to her as pastors and advocates to provide care and counsel.

5) Maintaining sensitivity to secure communication with her.

6) Providing logistical support and opportunities for her to report during stateside visits.

7) Providing the ongoing financial support to her agreed upon prior to commissioning.

Church, if we commit ourselves to these responsibilities, then let us say this together, “With God’s help, we do.” 

[Missionary’s name], please stand as you affirm your covenant to the church. Your responsibilities include:

1) Recognizing and relating to the church as having a significant, ongoing place at the table in your life. 

2) Continuing to participate in the life of our church through relationships, prayer, and giving of resources.

3) Responding in a timely manner to communication from your Advocate, the missions team, and pastors. 

4) Sending monthly updates for the sake of ongoing relationship and prayer.

5) Maintaining open and honest communication with your Advocate.

6) Spending 1/3 of your stateside visits here in order to participate at the church.

[Missionary’s name], if you commit yourself to these responsibilities, then say, “With God’s help, I do.” 

Now is the time for the commissioning prayer. [Missionary’s name], we invite you to stand in the center of the aisles, along with [Advocate’s name]. The role of Advocate is so important we want to pray over them also. Anyone who would like to lay hands on them during prayer, please come forward now.

As you come, in Acts 13, when the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Paul to be sent out, the church at Antioch laid hands on them and committed them to the work to which God had called them. It is our joy to participate in this ancient Christian practice once again. [Missionary’s name] has requested that [church member’s name] lead her commissioning prayer. While [church member’s name] leads us, we invite everyone to pray in your hearts for [missionary’s name] and her Advocate and the people whom she will be serving.

[prayer]

Sermon: Esther 4:10-17, “Sent for Such a Time As This”

Communion: Since today is her last Sunday with us for a long time, [missionary’s name] will assist in serving communion to us today [meaning she holds the bread and cup as church members come to the table to receive communion].

Song: “Be Thou My Vision”

Song: “Blessed Be Your Name”

Benediction: My name is [pastor’s name], and I'm one of the pastors here. Thank you for gathering with us today! 

Our parting gift for [missionary’s name] is a custom made mosaic of the church’s logo. We have one in the back for [missionary’s name], and we'd like everyone to sign the back of it. This will give her a continual reminder that we have sent her and love her. 

We would also like to invite everyone to a church-wide reception with her in the fellowship hall. We’ll have Thai food and will be hearing more from her about the journey ahead. Think of this as similar to when the Ephesians elders accompanied Paul to the ship in Acts 20. It will be a meaningful time together. 

We begin each gathering with a call to worship and end with a benediction, which is simply a reminder that we have been brought near in order to be sent out. Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, in that authority, may you go knowing this same Christ is with you and for you always. 

Church, you are loved and you are sent.

Example #2: Portion of Sunday Service

In John 20:21, Jesus makes this powerful declaration, “. . . as the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” As followers of Christ, we are to be witnesses wherever we go. This is part of the identity of all believers. Some, however, are called to leave their homes, friends, and loved ones to go and plant the gospel where it is not. This morning we have the privilege of sending out the [missionary family’s name] for that very task.

[Introduce missionaries using written bios that affirm their qualification]

Interview Questions

1) Tell us a little about where you’re going to serve and what you’ll be doing.

2) What are you most excited about, and what is something you anticipate will be difficult?

3) What is one thing we can pray for as you head out?

Commissioning this family means, quite simply, that we are sending them. To truly be sent, one must have a home. So when we say we’re sending you, we’re also making a commitment: you have a home here, and we are your family. This means that you have a home base. You have a body of support, prayer, and love that is for you and with you, wherever you go, whatever the Lord places before you in the journey ahead. 

So as we prepare to send you out into the world, we want to hear from you. Before the Lord, and before this church, we invite you to make the following confessions and commitments. 

As missionaries, we want to challenge you to go with boldness and authority. First and foremost, that simply means a commitment to being a Christian. Do you commit to seek the Lord as you go and to seek to live a godly life wherever you are? 

We do. 

Do you believe with all your heart that you have been called by God into this ministry as a missionary? 

We do. 

Do you believe that the love of God, revealed in the Word of God and the story of the gospel, are our world’s only hope in life and death? 

We do.

Do you promise to submit yourselves to other Christians, to not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but to spur on and be spurred on, maintaining faith and accountability when trials inevitably come? 

We do. 

[Turn to the church] 

If you’re a member of this church, or someone who is here out of a commitment to love and support these families, please stand with me. 

Friends, the pastors of this church submit this family to you as godly leaders whose lives and motives have been examined, and whom we believe the Lord has called to go to the ends of the earth for the sake of the gospel. 

Will you commit to supporting them with prayer, friendship, and financial resources as they step out on their journeys?

We do.

We want to invite family members, elders, and those that have been invited by these missionaries to come forward and lay hands on them now. 

[Church prays over the missionary family]

Example #3: Commissioning-Themed Benedictions

1) Our hearts are full this morning as we have prayed, confessed, read Scripture, and heard from God’s Word. As we leave this place, we do not go alone. As followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives within us and goes with us wherever we go. We have an identity of being a witness wherever we live, work, or play. As we go out this morning, know that we are witnesses to the people who live in our city, our country, and around the world. This is true of you: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). May you go, walking in your true identity.

2) Just as we have spoken peace to one another this morning as an expression of our worship service, we also know that Jesus gives us peace. Jesus Christ also instructs us to live as “sent ones.” Whether in here or another culture. Whether a full-time missionary or a student. Whether a pastor or a church member. Our identity is that of a sent one, taking the gospel with us wherever we live, work, or play: “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you’” (John 20:21). You are sent!

3) This morning we want to remember as we go the people who have been sent out from this congregation to [local area]. We want to remember [missionary family’s name], who are raising money to move to [location, if no security concerns] to minister among [people group, if no security concerns]. May we be “fellow workers for the truth” (3 John 8). 

4) This morning, as we leave this building, we want to heed to the words of the Lord about caring for widows, orphans, and foreigners who live among us. As we go, pray for these and even seek out ways you can love and care for them, “so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands” (Deuteronomy 14:29). May you be blessed to be a blessing.

5) As we go out this morning, know “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:18–20). May you walk in the joy of representing Christ. 

6) Not only this morning have we been blessed as we have gathered to worship our Lord. We are also to be a blessing to those around us. Hear the word of the Lord: “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing’” (Genesis 12:1–2). As you go today, may God’s blessing flow through you. 

7) We see in Scripture examples of how we are described as God’s people. Jesus when preaching the Sermon on the Mount said these words; let’s cling to them this week as we live out our faith daily: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13–16).

8) As the early church in Antioch prayed and fasted, they recognized that the Holy Spirit was calling them to send out their own to spread the gospel message. Hear these words from the apostle Paul in the Book of Acts: “Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off” (Acts 13:1–3). Church, we too have the privilege of sending and being sent. Go your way, commissioned as living testimonies of God’s global mission.

9) As we go out today, we should be empowered and released to take the gospel to our neighbors and the nations. We go out with courage because we do not go out alone, but we have the Holy Spirit going with us, providing us boldness and comfort: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18–20). 

10) The apostle Paul admonishes the church not only to proclaim the gospel to others but also to share our lives with those around us: “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). May you go today filled, and eager to share. 

Next Steps

The commissioning service is an important time to honor those going and to remind the entire church of their sentness. Both are valuable reasons to take the time to plan a commissioning service with excellence. With the above examples in mind, here are a few steps to keep you moving upstream:

1. Provide this resource to your missions team and ask them to highlight parts they would like to replicate in your own commissioning services.

2. Ask some churches if they could send you links to commissioning services they have done. Or, if they have one coming up, attend that service.

3. Get a commissioning service or commissioning-themed benediction on the schedule at your church. Whether that is for an upcoming missionary being sent long-term, a short-term trip, or the “commissioning” of a group in the church (such as teachers when the school year begins). Talk with the leaders in charge of your Sunday services and see what’s possible: entire service, portion of service, benediction, or—in some circumstances—nothing. Then begin drafting a liturgy or script for the service and/or reception.