10 Powerful Scriptures for Missions: Biblical Guidance for Reaching the Nations

5 min read

Scripture is the heartbeat of missions, providing encouragement, direction, and a clear mandate to spread the Bible. Whether preparing for a mission trip, supporting a missionary, or seeking to live missionally in your own community, these 10 powerful scripture for missions will inspire and equip you to carry out the Great Commission.

At Mosaic International, our mission is to strengthen local churches and mobilize them to reach their communities through relief, development, discipleship, and mobilization. As we expand our work in Tanzania, Rwanda, the Philippines, and South Asia, we are continually reminded of the biblical foundation that fuels our calling.

10 Powerful Scripture for Missions

Alright, let’s explore 10 powerful scriptures for missions that will encourage and equip you for the journey ahead!

1. Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

This passage is the cornerstone of Christian missions. Jesus commands His followers to go into all nations, making disciples and teaching them His ways. At Mosaic International, we take this call seriously by equipping local churches to be a light in their communities.

2. Acts 1:8 – The Call to Be Witnesses

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Missions begin at home but do not stop there. Jesus calls His disciples to be witnesses everywhere, from their immediate surroundings to the farthest corners of the world.

This scripture for missions reminds us that the Holy Spirit empowers us to carry the gospel to all people.

3. Isaiah 6:8 – The Willing Heart

"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"

Isaiah’s response to God’s call should be the heart posture of every missionary. Whether we are physically going or supporting missions through prayer and resources, our willingness to serve is key.

At Mosaic, we seek to cultivate this attitude in the churches we partner with, encouraging believers to answer God's call with boldness and faith.

4. Romans 10:13-15 – The Need for Messengers

"For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?"

This scripture for missions highlights the importance of sending and supporting missionaries. Many people around the world have never heard the gospel, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they do.

Mosaic International partners with local churches to equip and send believers to proclaim the good news.

5. Mark 16:15 – Proclaim the Gospel to All Creation

"And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’"

The gospel is not limited by borders, cultures, or languages. It is meant for all of creation. This verse reminds us that missions are not optional—they are a command.

Whether through relief efforts, discipleship programs, or community development, everything we do at Mosaic is rooted in the call to proclaim the gospel.

6. Psalm 96:3 – Declare His Glory Among the Nations

"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!"

Worship and missions go hand in hand. As we go out into the world, we are called to declare God's glory so that all nations may come to know Him.

This scripture for missions is a powerful reminder that our ultimate goal is not just humanitarian aid but the glorification of God among the nations.

7. John 20:21 – Sent as Jesus Was Sent

"Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’"

Jesus was sent into the world to bring redemption, and He calls us to follow His example. Missions is not just about going—it’s about being sent with purpose.

At Mosaic, we believe in equipping local churches to carry out this mission in their unique cultural contexts.

8. 1 Chronicles 16:24 – His Salvation to All People

"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!"

This Old Testament scripture for missions reinforces the universal nature of God’s salvation.

From the very beginning, God’s desire has been to draw all nations to Himself. Our work in different countries is a direct response to this divine call, ensuring that people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

9. Luke 10:2 – The Harvest is Plentiful

"And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"

The need for missionaries is greater than ever. This scripture reminds us to pray for more workers to be sent into the harvest fields.

Whether in Tanzania, Rwanda, the Philippines, or South Asia, we are committed to raising up local leaders who will continue the work of making disciples.

10. Revelation 7:9 – Every Nation, Tribe, and Tongue

"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands."

Missions are not just about the present—they are about eternity. This scripture for missions gives us a glimpse of the final fulfillment of God’s plan: people from every nation, tribe, and language worshiping Him. Our mission work is ultimately about preparing for this glorious day.

Equipping Yourself with Scripture for Missions

Whether you’re preparing for your own mission trip, considering getting involved with an organization, or simply looking for ways to live missionally in your daily life, these scriptures for missions are great to jot down in your journal. They serve as reminders of God’s call to reach the nations and His promise to be with us every step of the way.

At Mosaic International, we believe in strengthening local churches and mobilizing believers to make a lasting impact. If you’re looking for opportunities to serve, we’d love to connect and share more about how you can be part of the work happening around the world.

MOSAIC INTERNATIONAL