A Deeper Look

Christian workplaces aren’t immune to conflict, burnout, or power struggles. But when ministries lead well, they have a unique opportunity to model the gospel in action. In this article, you’ll discover practical ways to lead with vulnerability and intentionality.

What happens when you’re called to build a ministry team, but you don’t have many connections to start with? When most of the people you need to reach out to feel like strangers, support raising can feel intimidating and uncertain. This story shares what it’s really like to start with a short contact list and step out anyway, and how one unexpected act of generosity changed everything.

Moms in ministry bring faith to life in ways that are profoundly transformative. See how their gifts ripple through the Church, their homes, and the next generation.

What if building a team of supporters doesn't start with asking, but with praying? This article explores how prayer, clarity, and kingdom alignment reshape how you grow your network and invite others into meaningful, lasting partnerships.

Support-raising goes beyond funding your ministry. The people who support you are more valuable than you can imagine, and honoring them is paramount to having mutual, life-giving ministry team relationships. In this article, you’ll learn practical ways to strengthen those connections and experience the impact of being intentional with those God has placed in your lives.

What if that year-end gift was the beginning of a conversation instead of the end of one? Here’s a simple 4-step approach to follow up well and build lasting partnerships.

Part 3 of a 3-Part Series: With the Rise of the Global South, Why Still Send Western Missionaries? In Part 3, we explore how Western missionaries can wisely serve today, partnering with Global South leaders and stewarding resources with humility and impact.

Part 2 of a 3-Part Series: With the Rise of the Global South, Why Still Send Western Missionaries? In Part 2, we explore why the Church should not abandon Western sending and offer a wise, balanced approach to fulfilling the Great Commission.

Part 1 of a 3-Part Series: With the Rise of the Global South, Why Still Send Western Missionaries? In Part 1, we explore how the Global South is transforming missions as indigenous leaders and near-culture missionaries drive a new era of gospel outreach worldwide.

What if donor engagement wasn’t about pressure, but presence? Learn how authenticity and faithfulness build deeper, longer-lasting support than constant contact ever could.

What if one training could shape the way you live, years after it ends? Pre-field training is more than preparation for life overseas. In this article, we explore how its lessons resurface over time and why this 4–6-week intensive stays with you long after the field.

What if networking wasn’t a business strategy, but a biblical practice? In this article, we explore how Paul’s network in Romans 16 offers a model for authentic connection, shared mission, and mutual support in ministry.

In this article, you'll hear about real missionaries who boldly stepped out with a year-end appeal and saw God exceed their expectations, from surprising five-figure gifts to lasting support. Whether you're hesitant or experienced, these stories will encourage you to take your next step in fundraising with faith and confidence.

In this powerful reflection, church planter Demeko Bivens shares his personal journey from rural poverty to leading an urban church, highlighting the tension he felt around fundraising. Rather than viewing donors as financial sources, he redefines support-raising as a form of discipleship and a gospel partnership that transforms both giver and receiver.

What if your church viewed every member not just as a disciple, but as a missionary in the making? This article explores how churches can proactively cultivate a “sent identity” and raise up leaders who carry the gospel locally and globally.

This two-part series explores the scriptural foundations for why and how the church should be the primary sender in global missions. In part 1, we delve into why the healthiest and most biblical sending starts with the local church.

Discover why choosing the right financial model is crucial for church planting. This article explores how a missionary support model, focused on long-term sustainability and reaching the unchurched, can better align with your church's mission and growth.

In recent years, one church’s global outreach and residency program has undergone a meaningful shift. What once were purely short-term, event-driven trips, have grown into a deeper investment in long-term missions and discipleship. Through intentional training and relational investment, Marty and Grace Bible Church have continued to mobilize Millennials and Gen Z for global mission. In contrast to declining national trends in long-term sending, the church is seeing a surprising and encouraging wave of long-term commitments. In the conversation that follows, Marty, a ministry leader at Grace Bible Church, joins Mike Easton, Reliant’s International Program Manager, to reflect on how their church is navigating the full spectrum of mission involvement. They share insights from a decade-long partnership with Launch Global, discuss the shift from mobilization events to long-term discipleship, and highlight how churches are reengaging college students while creating cross-cultural mission opportunities in their own communities.

Throughout church history, the call to send missionaries has taken many forms. Today, more local churches and networks are stepping into that role with renewed ownership to mobilize, send, and support missionaries as a core part of their mission and discipleship efforts. One such example is the Acts2 Network, a network of over 35 churches across the U.S. focused on church planting near universities and equipping graduates for long-term campus ministry. In 2024, the Acts2 Network sent 72 missionaries overseas through a partnership with Reliant. In the conversation that follows, Timothy Rhee, who leads the Acts2 Network’s One-Year Foreign Missions Program, joins Mike Easton, Reliant’s International Program Manager, to reflect on the church’s role in sending and how shared vision and collaboration are fueling new growth in missions.

As everyday life becomes increasingly digital, the way we think about missions is shifting as well. More people are living, working, and building community online, raising important questions about how we share the gospel in a connected world. Our partner, The Church Digital, is embracing this shift not just as a challenge, but as a mission field. They equip digital missionaries to engage real people in real digital communities and treat platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and virtual reality as places where the gospel can take root. In the interview that follows, Jeff Reed shares how they define digital missions, how they’re equipping a global network of digital missionaries, and the stories of transformation already taking place online.

A Reliant worker reflects on a year marked by profound challenges and God’s sustaining grace in their ministry team. Serving in the Middle East, they faced political unrest from the Israel–Gaza conflict, detainment, health issues, and team separation. In the midst of fear and suffering, they remained steadfast, watching God open doors for gospel conversations and provide strength beyond their own. Grounded in the hope of God’s promises, they continue their ministry with faith that their presence and witness are not in vain.

Over the past few decades, the American church has experienced a significant exodus. Millions have stepped away from regular church attendance, many still identifying as Christians, yet disconnected from a local faith community. This growing movement, often referred to as “dechurching,” isn’t just a trend, it’s a deeply personal story unfolding in cities, suburbs, and small towns across the country. In response, some churches are exploring a different way forward. It is a path rooted in slower, smaller, and more relational work. Ronnie Goble, pastor of Rooted Church in Metro Detroit, is leaning into that approach. Rooted is a young church plant that’s already become a home for people for the dechurched and the never churched. Through everyday presence, intentional relationships, and a patient approach to discipleship, Ronnie and his church are meeting people where they are and inviting them into something deeper. In this conversation, Ronnie shares what they’re learning from the frontlines about dechurching, reconnection, and the kind of slow work they are doing for renewal in their city.

In this story, Halle May of Leaps of Faith Ballet Ministry in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, shares a powerful testimony of how God works in and through His people. What began as a small ballet class of just eight students in a school cafeteria has grown into a thriving ministry with nearly 100 dancers. Leaps of Faith offers free ballet classes while sharing the gospel with children who might not otherwise have access to either. Over the past ten years, they have seen God open doors, meet needs, and strengthen the faith of both students and leaders in remarkable ways.

Many of us assume relationships will flourish on their own, but deep connections rarely happen by chance. This article explores how intentional scheduling can transform your ministry’s relationships and lead to meaningful impact.

Support-raising is more than just a financial transaction; it’s a biblical partnership in the gospel mission. Paul’s relationship with the Philippians exemplifies koinonia—a deep fellowship and shared participation in God’s work.

U.S. church attendance has dropped for 30 years—now, how do we fund and sustain church leaders for the future?

Being the hands and feet of Jesus during some of life’s hardest moments

A glimpse into the nations being touched by Jesus’ love

How God uses the obedience of one family to make disciples of all nations both near and far

Every believer is God’s masterpiece, and His plans often are not exactly what we expect.

God gripped the life of one Mizzou college student who now serves in reaching others who were just like him.

How one leader learned a valuable lesson about the love of Christ in the midst of trying to serve and lead others.

One missionary’s heart shines to equip the saints to see lasting fruit in the Kingdom of God.

How the faithfulness of one campus missionary comforted and showed the faithful love of Christ to a vulnerable college student.

How one college student’s life was radically changed through living in a Jesus-loving community and surrendering all to Christ.

A new look at how our attitudes and reactions don’t have to be dependent on the “weather."

Trusting in the God who raises the dead parts of our lives.

Hear how Barb Seckler has experienced nearly all sides of Reliant throughout the years.

God is using the giftings and passions of a missionary who knows deep life transformation to reach out to others in an urban community of Chicago in hopes they will experience the same.

How Running From God Semi-Accidentally (but we all know it’s providentially) Turned Into Running Toward God

One overseas missionary shares how his trust and dependence on the Lord through the support-raising process prepared him in unexpected ways for the mission field he’s called to.

God desires to show his love and generosity through His church. Through the faithfulness of missionaries in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a refugee was able to experience a part of God’s heart for him through their campus church.

Sacrificing comfort for the beautiful, pure love of Jesus to reach all peoples.

Bridging the gap between the passion of college students and the needs of the world.

Jesus calls us to love and care for others no matter the method.

A missionary’s journey to know Jesus, and himself, better through the process of developing a team of ministry partners.

How one missionary stepped outside her safe space as a team member on mission trips and was stretched in refining and unexpected ways as a shepherd and team leader.

How an authentic and intentional lifestyle can make a lasting impact.

It’s a beautiful thing when the Lord breaks a missionary’s heart for the ones who do not know Him yet — especially when they are courageous enough to walk in faith and give a year of their lives to reaching those students.

For this college student a quick meeting on campus at a church info table helped open doors for him to receive the greatest gift imaginable.

How one planning oversight led to surprising connections.

This campus missionaries’ heart wasn’t content just reaching the University where she serves, when there were more students close by who also needed to hear of the love of Jesus Christ.

The Kroeger family’s deep love for college students and the impact the love of Christ makes in everyday decisions has continued to spur on their work as Reliant missionaries from one Texas college campus to another.

Reliant missionaries are passionate about the work the Lord has called them to. While their spouses believe in and support their ministry, sometimes they feel equally passionate and called to a different type of ministry. Campus missionary, Russell, shares how he and his wife, who is passionate about theater, have found a balance in following the Lord in their different callings together.

Time is something a lot of us wish we had more of. When your spouse is not in full-time ministry, there can be many expectations to talk through and balance must be found to accommodate for both people’s needs. Cherise, the spouse of campus missionary Jordan Castille, shares their journey to balancing time in ministry and as a new young family.

There are unique challenges when a spouse is not in full-time ministry, requiring a lot of communication and understanding. Whitney shares how she and Steve have learned the balance of finding a community that fits both of their needs.

How God used a “less than ideal” circumstance for one campus missionary to bring a student on the campus of OSU to faith in Him.

Cameron was a pretty fly guy in junior high and high school and used his love of people and Jesus to make major impacts for the kingdom. Serving Jesus led him to meet his wife, and together they are providing a safe family for those who need it most.

Despite our weaknesses all believers in Christ are called to make disciples of the nations. Some might need to move across the world to be brought to a glorious place of weakness, but most probably just need to walk next door, anywhere we find ourselves though the Lord promises to give us His strength.

As Carlos’ love for Christ grew, so did his desire for those in Houston’s East End to know His redeeming grace.

As ministers of the gospel, we are called to develop leaders by seeing the potential Jesus put within them and pointing them toward the hope that He offers them.

Learn how the Lord has guided the steps of this fashion-loving and faith-filled young woman to devote this season of her life to reaching students on a college campus.

God’s goodness brought a young missionary into a new position in ministry, fulfilling a dream of hers that has been years in the making.

Throughout the years, orphan care has taken on different forms for our field editor, Jenni Olowo, but when the Lord calls someone to a specific path, He will be faithful to light the way.

This missionary family learned the beauty of raising three young children in Southern Asia, despite the many fears they had walking into it.

By starting with one family and one rescued child, the Hundred Movement hopes to see thousands of victims of sex trafficking brought into the loving family of God.

How a bout of E. coli showed a young missionary the deep love of those living in the country she never knew would be her mission field.

The Lord is bringing the nations to our doorsteps, often alone and far from family, and a Reliant missionary has opened his home and heart to a new friend from Syria with hopes of sharing with him how he can become a part of an eternal family.

urrounded by earthly paradise, many of the students who live in Hawaii need to hear about our heavenly one. John Allison has committed his life to share the glory and beauty of eternity with those who do not know Christ on the island of Oahu.

A reminder that opportunities of transformation and revival are all around us if we’re not too busy to meet them.

Insight from a former sorority sister on how to do Greek ministry at a secular university.

Practical tips for making space in our busy lives to praise the Lord for all that happened in the last year and to prepare for the things He will do in this new year.

Through over two decades in ministry, the Schuberts have followed God’s call to various campus and ministry locations, experiencing His faithfulness through various seasons.

The power of allowing God’s love to turn potential rivals into spiritual family can create a beautiful story of redemption and light over darkness.

How Reliant made it possible for caring adults to be fully invested in the lives of college and high school students through Young Life, without touching the ministry’s budget.

Find out how following the Lord’s guidance led this couple to one another and the ministry they are most passionate about.

Reliant missionaries share Kingdom stories from their ministry locations worldwide.

Missionaries overseas have the opportunity to shine the light of Christ beginning with the tiniest members of their family.

Read about some of the fruit one missionary is seeing in Box 7 Ministries, an outreach focused on members of the marching music arts community.

Hear how one Reliant family keeps a kingdom mindset wherever the Lord may have them serving.

Lives are being changed in Milano, Italy, through English Clubs being offered on a university campus.

How one young woman walked out in faith to become something she never thought she would, a support-based missionary.

Missionary Ron Goble shares three simple concepts for reaching and discipling student athletes.

Meeting people where they’re at and sharing Jesus, one warm pancake at a time! Missionary Anthony Giambroni shares how H2O Kent is using fresh pancakes to reach college students at Kent State University.

What do you think of when you hear “public university lecture hall”? Probably not a church service, right? Riverview Church is transforming a lecture hall at Michigan State University into a place of worship every Sunday morning.

Missionaries Kevin and Julie Cody give us a glimpse into their trip with 42 college students over 600 miles away from school. They’re seeing lives transformed both on these trips and on the campus of H2O Church at Ohio State.

Missionary Alan Hable shares how free coffee is an opportunity to powerfully affect the future leaders of our world for Jesus, all through one cup.

We are pleased to release our 2015 Annual Ministry Report. Our focus this year was on telling the stories of individuals living in faith as missionaries, while sharing the growth we experienced as an organization.

Learn how one couple’s way of life is influencing those in Philadelphia with the tangible love of Christ.

A story of life change as a campus missionary reaches out to young women in sororities on The Ohio State University Campus.

A wife shares honestly the expectations/challenges of joining her spouse in full-time ministry.

How having a ministry team allows missionaries to follow God’s call anywhere.

Thoughts from a young mom on preparing for a church plant.

In the midst of tragedy, we remember Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Kathy Zellinger has been a dedicated part of our team for 30 years!

The new website is our is our newest platform for missionary support.

Our updated website brings stronger features for missionaries and financial partners.

How church-planting in inner-city Detroit is changing the face of a campus church.

How the Lord helped one missionary overcome challenges that people face who are going out to build a ministry team for the first time.

Reliant comes alongside church-planting networks by supporting their growing staff team.

Missionary Derek Martin tells his story of why he’s an urban missionary

A story of a changed life on the Illinois State University Campus.

What if Jesus was being serious when he said to “love your neighbor?”

These TV commercials from Japan reveal a deeper need than even these women themselves knew.

Your giving changes lives—thank you! Your charitable giving statements are here. See Your Record of Giving

The board of directors for Reliant Mission—the new name for Great Commission Ministries—has made two membership changes and wants to thank directors for their service.

Great Commission Ministries announces a new name, while emphasizing that their mission to support Christian missionaries and church planters remains the same.

In 2015, Great Commission Ministries (GCM) is adopting a new name.

I give to support missionaries, but do I want my donations going to their 401(k)?

On November 9, 2012 the GCM board of directors unanimously confirmed Noel Heikkinen as the Chairman of the board for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2013.