Where Does My Money Go?


How much does it cost to support the ministry of a missionary for one year?

Average* Cost 2011-2012:
Missionary couple: $114,400 CAD / $121,000 USD
Single missionary: $102,000 CAD / $108,000 USD

Missionary Allocation Costs



[ Read more about the cost breakdown of missionary expenses ]

* Average based on the total cost of all Canadian/US career missionaries divided by the number of Canadian/US career missionaries. The US average is higher than the Canadian average because of the larger number of missionaries in countries with higher costs of living.

2011-12 CRWM Budget - 13.8 million USD 

Proposed Income Sources (2011-12)

Please be reminded: 

  • Of these costs about 64% comes from above ministry share giving and other souces (support from churches and individuals) and nearly 36% comes from ministry shares.   [ What are Ministry Shares? ]
  • This is an average from around the world.
  • This figure compares favorably with that of several other denominational missions agencies.
  • Overseas inflation rates have resulted in doubling this cost over the last 10 years.


Do missionaries with World Missions need to raise their own support?

Yes and No...

Because of the partnerships developed with supporters, missionaries are in the best position to present their support needs (prayer, care, and financial) to churches and individuals.  World Missions does ask its missionaries to actively challenge churches and individuals to help raise at least 60% of their total costs:

  • Missionary Couple: $68,400 CAD or $72,600 USD
  • Single Missionary: $61,200 CAD or $64,800 USD

If a missionary's support is short any given month, World Missions has covenanted to provide for their financial needs.  Career and associate missionaries are assured that their salaries will be met.

The support teams of World Missions USA and Canada are busy seeking to inform churches and individuals about the support needs of our missionaries and the mission. The Christian Reformed Church has a wonderful record of missions support. Support raising is a joint effort involving the church, World Missions, and the missionaries.