Missions work is important to the church in so many ways. Unfortunately, many churches only focus on it during a Missions Sunday or by having a visiting missionary speak, however infrequently that may be. These churches miss out on the benefits that come with keeping missions at the forefront.

Regularly promoting missions increases missions giving. It also changes the church’s heart for missionaries, encouraging people to pray more frequently and fervently. Church members will begin to see themselves on mission with God, as missionaries wherever they go — especially at work and in their neighborhoods.

Here are seven ways to promote missions on a regular basis:

1. Spotlight Video

Missionaries may not always be available to speak in person. Video is a great way to get them in front of your congregation regularly. Ask your sponsored missionaries to create a video you can share in a service. It doesn’t have to be professionally edited, just passionately presented. Giving your church a visual representation of where their missions money goes helps a lot.

2. Weekly Prayer Focus

Make missions a matter of weekly prayer. In your handouts, during your announcements, through social media, or all of the above, let your church know of a missionary or mission work they can remember in prayer. Keeping those needs in front of your people will keep the mission in their hearts.

Church members will begin to see themselves on mission with God.

3. Pledge Updates

On Missions Sunday, you probably encouraged your people to make faith missions pledges. How have they done in keeping up with that giving? Remind them of the total amount the congregation pledged, how much has come in, and how much remains to fulfill the pledge. Also, provide updates on how those missions dollars are supporting Kingdom work.

4. Video Conference with a Missionary

Years ago, reading a newsletter from a missionary was often the best option for providing updates directly from the mission field. With today’s technology, however, all it takes is a smartphone to set up a video conference call. It’s the next best thing to being there. Set aside a special Sunday, or part of one service a month, for a brief video conference with a sponsored missionary.

5. Host International Students

If you have a local college or university, chances are there are international students right in your backyard. Last year, more than a million students from around the globe came to the U.S. to study. Find a way to reach out to these students. It could be something as simple as hosting a dinner for them. Meeting people from other countries will remind your church of the importance of reaching the world for Christ.

6. International Exposition

Plan a special event that focuses on foreign missions, especially those countries represented in your church’s missions giving. Offer ethnic food, spotlight cultures and customs, or highlight specific needs. Giving your congregation a global perspective will touch their hearts to increase their commitment to missions.

7. Offer Short-Term Mission Trips

Nothing inspires a passion for missions like working alongside missionaries in the field. Seeing the need firsthand, experiencing the culture, and meeting the people makes a lasting impression. Those who can’t make the trip can still take part by offering financial and prayer support. As participants share stories and photos, the entire congregation will almost feel like they were along for the journey.