Ministry is a journey of faith, sacrifice, and relentless obedience to God’s call. However, for single African American women called to missions, partnership development is an uphill battle. While the church preaches generosity and the importance of spreading the Gospel, the reality of raising support as an unmarried Black woman without denominational ties is filled with roadblocks. It’s not just about financial provision—it’s about being seen, heard, and supported in a way that aligns with the very heart of God’s mission.
Yet, Scripture is clear that the Church is responsible for sending and supporting those who go forth in faith:
“Not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.”
— Philippians 4:15-16
Despite biblical precedent, modern-day missionaries—especially single African American women—often struggle to gain support. Rather than becoming a monthly partner, many would rather give job recommendations—but if that’s not what God is leading me to do, then that would leave me being disobedient.
Here are the real challenges I’ve faced trying to raise support and do missions.
1. Lack of Ordination Despite Extensive Experience and Education
Many in the faith community place ordination on a pedestal, often equating it with legitimacy in ministry. However, ordination does not determine calling—God does. I have spent years studying the Word, earning theological education, and actively serving in ministry, yet I still face skepticism simply because I haven’t been formally ordained.
This raises an important question: When did ordination become a prerequisite for support? If the fruit of one’s ministry, faithfulness, and preparation are evident, why is that not enough?
In the early church, support was given based on calling and Kingdom work, not titles:
“The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.”
— Galatians 6:6
If Paul, one of the greatest missionaries of all time, had to rely on the generosity of believers without an official “ordination” as we define it today, why should I be any different?
2. Singleness: The Unspoken Barrier for Women in Ministry
“You’ll find a husband soon, and then your ministry will take off!”
I have lost count of how many times I’ve heard this. There’s an unspoken belief that a woman’s ministry isn’t fully validated until she is married. Whether consciously or subconsciously, many believe that a husband legitimizes a woman’s ministry—providing “covering” or stability.
Yet, Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 that singleness allows for undivided devotion to God. Some of the greatest figures in Scripture—Jesus, Paul, Mary Magdalene—fulfilled their calling without a spouse.
Testimony:
I’ve spent years supporting churches and parachurch ministries. When I accepted the call to full-time missions, I reached out to many of those leaders—and was met with silence. Some responded with congratulations, but I honestly don’t think they understood the full magnitude of giving God my yes on this level.
Oftentimes, people hear “missions” and assume it functions like a traditional job—with a salary and benefits. But in reality, the only paycheck I receive is through the generosity of others who believe in this calling.
Paul addressed this very issue:
“At the present time, your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality.”
— 2 Corinthians 8:14
3. The African American Church and Missions: A Limited Perspective
The African American church has long been a pillar of faith, resilience, and community outreach. However, there is a noticeable gap when it comes to sending and supporting missionaries abroad.
Historically, our churches have focused on local ministry—feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, and partnering with overseas churches primarily through humanitarian efforts rather than long-term discipleship and church planting.
The issue isn’t a lack of generosity—it’s a lack of infrastructure. Many Black missionaries find themselves without the financial and strategic support needed to be sent, rather than just celebrated.
Yet, Jesus’ final command was clear:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
— Matthew 28:19
The Great Commission isn’t just for certain denominations or ethnic groups—it’s for the entire body of Christ.
4. The Challenge of Being Non-Denominational
While I was baptized in a Baptist church, I have always considered myself nondenominational. Unfortunately, this has worked against me in fundraising efforts. Many denominations only support missionaries affiliated with their network, leaving independent missionaries without a financial or spiritual home base.
Yet, the early church supported those who were called, regardless of affiliation:
“We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”
— 3 John 1:8
The Kingdom of God is bigger than any denomination. If the mission is clear, shouldn’t the support be as well?
5. The Reality of Notoriety and Recognition
In today’s culture, many sow into ministries that offer personal recognition. But what about those who labor in the background, unseen by the masses?
Jesus Himself warned against giving for the sake of recognition:
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
— Matthew 6:3-4
Paul reinforced that giving isn’t just an act of charity—it’s an act of worship:
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:6
Many prefer to sow into ministries with established platforms, well-known leaders, or organizations that offer networking benefits. But what about those faithfully working behind the scenes? What about those who have devoted their lives—often at great personal cost—to fulfilling the call of God?
The sad reality is that people often invest in what elevates their own image rather than seeking where God is calling them to sow. This mindset needs to shift if we truly want to see the Gospel reach the ends of the earth.
The Cost of Obedience and the Church’s Responsibility
Raising support for missions isn’t just about collecting donations—it’s about the body of Christ recognizing and responding to God’s call on an individual’s life.
I have experienced moments where my bank account was in the negative, my credit card debt was rising, and I couldn’t even pay my mortgage. Yet, in God’s faithfulness, He used someone I had freely discipled, mentored, and befriended for years to bless me in a way I never expected.
This wasn’t a handout—it was a reminder that when God calls, He provides.
Some might say, “Why didn’t you say anything?” My response is, Why must someone struggle for you to care?
On many occasions, I have informed people of my calling. They applauded with admiration, yet they did not want to learn more. They did not pray about sowing. They did not even consider connecting me with someone who might be interested.
If we, as the body of Christ, truly believe in the Great Commission, then we must do better. We must be intentional about supporting those who are called, even when their path doesn’t fit our expectations.
Call to Action: How You Can Help
- Pray and Ask God How to Partner with Missionaries – Don’t assume others will do it. Seek the Lord and ask how He wants you to invest in His work.
- Financially Support Missionaries You Believe In – Even small monthly contributions make a big difference in sustaining long-term ministry. Many missionaries struggle not because they lack faith but because they lack consistent support.
- Connect Missionaries to Others Who Can Help – You may not be able to give, but you may know someone who can. Introductions matter more than you think—networking is a powerful way to help missionaries find new partners.
- Acknowledge and Support Single Women in Ministry – Our marital status does not determine our calling or effectiveness. The assumption that a woman must be married to lead in ministry is unbiblical. Encourage, support, and recognize the work of single women who have given their lives to ministry.
- Advocate for Mission-Focused Giving Within Your Church – Recognize the missionaries in your congregation and support them regardless of their denominational affiliation. If they are a member and have committed to the call, sow into their ministry. Churches should not just send financial aid overseas but also raise up and send missionaries from within their own congregations.
➤ Create opportunities for missionaries in your church to train up future missionaries within your church or church network. Investing in their knowledge and experience multiplies the work of the Kingdom.
- Encourage African American Churches to Prioritize Missions – We must build infrastructures that equip and send missionaries, not just support humanitarian efforts.
➤ If you are an established church or mission organization (especially if your organization lacks the presence of African Americans), intentionally reach out to predominantly African American churches. See how you can collaborate to equip and send missionaries.
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:11
If you feel led to partner with me, let’s connect. Let’s build the Kingdom together.
