World Missions is a major area of ministry at RBC, and surely one of the reasons God has so abundantly blessed the church over the years.
RBC is having a truly world-wide impact in communicating the gospel to the unreached. Our church now supports a great number of missionaries worldwide. In most cases these brothers and sisters are living far from family and friends, and need prayer, connection and encouragement.
For this reason, Reston Bible Church has established the “Adopt A Missionary” program whereby Small Groups (SG) (Shepherd Groups, Men’s and Women’s ministry groups) as well as families and individuals can take a missionary under their wing to communicate, pray for and encourage them.
Annually, the Missions Committee sends questionnaires to our supported missionaries to get updates on all aspects of their ministry. One question asked is, “How can we as a church better serve you?” Many have expressed a desire to have more connection with people in the church through prayer and regular updates. These updates go both ways—sharing what’s happening on the field while also keeping them informed about life within our church. They not only ask for our prayers but genuinely want to be praying for us as well. In the past, this kind of correspondence has been especially meaningful, helping them feel connected and valued as part of the body.
They are also seeking fellow believers who are willing to walk alongside them in faith—offering encouragement, sharing insights, and engaging in meaningful conversation about various aspects of life.
This has proven to be a blessing not only for the missionaries but also for those who participate. Many have grown in their understanding of and involvement in overseas missions, with some taking more active steps in living out the Great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This is one more way to be a part of the mission statement of RBC: “We exist to know Jesus Christ and to make Him known, here in Northern Virginia and around the world”
The program is focused on prayer, connection, and encouragement and is designed to build meaningful, ongoing relationships between supporters and missionaries—without any financial component. Its purpose is to ensure that every missionary is spiritually supported, personally known, and consistently encouraged while serving. Individuals, families, or small groups are paired with a missionary and commit to supporting them for a set period, often several months to a year.
At the heart of the program is intentional prayer. Participants commit to regularly praying for a specific missionary, using real updates and specific needs to guide their prayers. Missionaries can share both ministry challenges and personal requests, allowing prayer to be thoughtful, informed, and deeply personal.
Equally important is genuine connection. Participants aren’t just names on a list—they build real relationships with the missionary they adopt. Through emails, messages, handwritten letters, or occasional video calls, both sides begin to know each other beyond surface-level updates. Over time, this connection fosters trust, making it easier for missionaries to share honestly about their experiences, struggles, and victories.
Encouragement is the third pillar that brings the relationship to life. Participants intentionally speak life into their missionary’s work through uplifting messages, scripture, reminders of purpose, and simple acts of care. Remembering birthdays, anniversaries, or important milestones can mean a great deal, especially for those serving far from home. Even small, consistent gestures can provide strength during difficult seasons.
For missionaries, this kind of support meets a critical need. While their work may be outwardly focused, the emotional and spiritual toll can be significant. Knowing that they are regularly prayed for, personally remembered, and genuinely cared about helps combat isolation and burnout. It reminds them that they are not serving alone.
For participants, the experience becomes deeply personal and meaningful. Prayers gain a stronger sense of purpose, connection broadens understanding of different cultures and challenges, and encouragement becomes an active expression of care rather than a passive idea.
Ultimately, this type of “Adopt a Missionary” program transforms support into relationship. It creates a steady, life-giving connection rooted in faith, consistency, and compassion—where prayer is intentional, communication is genuine, and encouragement is constant.
While an “Adopt a Missionary” program built on prayer, connection, and encouragement can be deeply meaningful, it’s important to approach communication with awareness and care. Many missionaries serve in regions where religious activity, cultural sensitivities, or local laws may create security risks if information is shared too openly.
One of the primary concerns is the handling of sensitive information. Details such as exact locations, names of local partners, specific outreach activities, or future travel plans should be shared cautiously. Even well-meaning communication—like posting updates on social media or forwarding emails—can unintentionally expose information to a wider audience than intended.
Participants are often encouraged to treat missionary updates as private unless explicitly told otherwise. Avoid sharing photos, names, or stories publicly without clear permission. In some cases, missionaries may use limited details, pseudonyms, or general language when describing their work. This isn’t secrecy for its own sake—it’s a necessary step to protect both the missionary and the people they serve.
Digital communication also requires awareness. Emails, messaging apps, and video calls may not always be secure depending on the region. Following any guidelines provided—such as preferred communication platforms or avoiding certain topics in writing—helps reduce risk.
Another important aspect is cultural sensitivity. What feels like harmless encouragement in one context could be misunderstood or even risky in another. Respecting the missionary’s guidance on what can be discussed, asked, or shared helps maintain trust and safety.
Ultimately, the goal is not to create fear, but to practice wisdom. A secure approach allows missionaries to continue their work without unnecessary exposure, while still maintaining meaningful relationships with those supporting them. By being mindful, respectful, and guided by the missionary’s boundaries, participants can provide strong, consistent encouragement without compromising safety.
Commitment
The Missions Committee asks that each SG, family or individual commit to this “adoption” for one year. If for some reason your group can’t continue the relationship, please let the Missions Committee know as it is important that we get another SG or family to adopt them, so that the missionary always has active prayer partners, communicators and encouragers with RBC.
Current Contact Information
So that we can give you updated program information, prayer requests we have obtained from your missionary by other means, etc., it is important to keep the Missions Committee in the loop should any of the contact information change for your SG or family. Changes to email addresses are the most frequent, but also phone numbers, names of Group leaders or even Group status are important changes to communicate.
Questions and Feedback
The Missions Committee would like your Group to occasionally give us feedback on the program, how it is working with your missionary and how we can improve it. For this, or if you have questions, please email our Adopt A Missionary program coordinator, D.J. Kline, at adoptamissionary@restonbible.org.
Security Guidelines
To protect the safety and effectiveness of missionaries and their work, all participants in the Adopt a Missionary program please follow these security guidelines. These practices ensure that prayer, connection, and encouragement can continue without creating unnecessary risk.
- Confidentiality of Information
All missionary updates—written, verbal, or visual—should be treated as confidential unless explicitly stated otherwise. Participants should not share names, locations, ministry details, or personal information through public channels, including social media, group chats, or public gatherings, without clear permission from the missionary or sending organization. - Responsible Communication
Participants should follow any communication guidelines provided by the missionary or program leaders. This may include:Using approved platforms for messaging or calls.
Avoiding sensitive topics in written communication.
Refraining from discussing certain details, even in private messages.Missionaries may intentionally limit what they share; these boundaries should always be respected.
- Social Media Awareness
Posting about missionaries online can unintentionally expose them to risk. Do not post photos, updates, prayer requests, or identifying details unless you have been given explicit approval. When in doubt, do not share. - Protection of Local Communities
Missionaries often work closely with local individuals or groups who may face greater risk than the missionary themselves. Never share names, images, or identifying details of local contacts or communities connected to the missionary’s work. - Cultural and Legal Sensitivity
Participants should remain aware that missionaries may be serving in regions with different cultural norms or legal restrictions. Questions or comments that seem harmless in one context may be inappropriate or unsafe in another. Follow the missionary’s lead and respect their guidance in all interactions. - Consistency with Caution
Regular encouragement and connection are strongly encouraged, but they should always be balanced with discretion. Thoughtful, supportive communication that avoids sensitive details is the goal. - When in Doubt, Ask
If participants are unsure whether something is appropriate to share or discuss, they should seek guidance from the missionary or program leader before proceeding.