Introduction
When a missionary family leaves, a church says goodbye to people it has prayed with, eaten with and watched grow. Those who go carry a lot of questions and a lot of faith, and those who stay want to say that they will not be forgotten. This page offers 16 Christian farewell messages sorted by who is writing: the whole church, a small group, a friend, and short lines for a card or a text before the flight. Pick one, add a personal memory, and promise something you can keep, such as prayer, letters or a visit.
Messages from the Church at a Commissioning Service
A commissioning is a solemn moment. Speak in the name of the whole church, bless the family and promise your support.
"Dear [names], the church family sends you today with love, with prayer and with thanksgiving. You do not go alone: we go with you through our prayers and our giving. May the Lord make your way straight and keep you near to him."
"Dear missionary family, we are sending you because the Lord has called you, and we trust him for the work ahead. Thank you for your obedience. We will be praying for you each week, and our doors will always be open when you return."
"[Names], we are proud of your courage and humbled by your faith. As you leave, know that this church is your home and that we will stand behind you. May God give you friends, health, wisdom and joy in the work."
"Our dear brothers and sisters, today we lay our hands on you and send you out in the name of Jesus. We thank God for the way he has prepared you. We will remember you in the hard days as well as the good ones."
Acts 13:2-3
"As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."
The church in Antioch fasted and prayed, laid hands on Barnabas and Saul, and sent them out. That is the model of every sending: the call comes from God, and the church responds by praying, blessing and releasing. Reading this passage at a commissioning service reminds everyone that those who go and those who stay share the same mission. Read all of Acts 13.
Messages from a Small Group
A small group knows the family closely. Mention the shared meals, the laughter and the prayers, and say that you will not lose touch.
"Dear [names], our group will not be the same without you. Thank you for the meals, the prayers and the honesty. We are cheering you on, and we will stay connected by video calls as often as time zones allow."
"We are going to miss you so much. You have shown us what it means to say yes to God. We promise to pray for you every week at our meeting, and to write whenever we can."
"To our friends heading overseas: it has been an honor to share this season with you. We know that goodbyes are heavy, and we know that God goes ahead of you. Send us news and photos, and we will keep praying."
"[Names], your children have grown up in our group, and we are sad to see them go. But we trust the Lord to care for them and for you. We will think of you every time we pray together."
Isaiah 6:8
"I heard the Lord’s voice, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am. Send me!”"
Isaiah hears the Lord asking whom he should send, and answers: "Here I am. Send me!" It is the prayer of everyone who goes, and it is also the prayer of those who send them, who offer their friends and their prayers. A small group can add this verse to a card as a way to say that they honor the family's answer to the call. Read all of Isaiah 6.
Messages from a Friend
Between friends the words can be tender and honest. Say that you are sad, say that you are proud, and make a promise you will keep.
"Dear [name], I am happy for you and I am sad for me. Thank you for being such a faithful friend. Wherever you are in the world, you will be in my prayers. Write to me as often as you can."
"[Name], I cried when I heard that you were leaving, and then I thanked God for you. I know that you are obeying him, and I am proud of you. Take care of yourselves and take care of each other."
"I will miss our coffee on Saturday mornings, [name]. But I will pray for you every day, and I would love to visit when I can. Say hello to the new country for me."
"Dear [names], leaving is hard, and so is staying behind. I want you to know that you are not leaving the friends who love you. We will stay close, in a different way. God bless you."
Psalm 121:7-8
"Yahweh will keep you from all evil. He will keep your soul. Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more."
The psalmist says that the Lord will keep our going out and our coming in, from now on and forever. For friends who are leaving, it is a promise that they are not stepping into a place where God is absent. A friend can write this verse in a card as a quiet way of saying, "He goes with you, and so do my prayers." Read all of Psalm 121.
Short Messages for a Card or a Text Before the Flight
Before a long journey, there is little time to read. These short lines fit in a card, a text or a note slipped into a bag.
"We love you and we are praying for you. Safe travels, and God go with you."
"Thank you for saying yes to God. We will be praying for you every step of the way."
"Go with God's blessing, [names]. We are with you, even from far away."
"May the Lord go before you, be with you and guard your return. We are so proud of you."
Romans 10:15
"And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”"
Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah to say that the feet of those who bring good news are beautiful. In a farewell message, this verse honors the long road of the missionary, and it reminds the church that to send is also to share in the work. It is a lovely line for a card, because it speaks about the people who go and not only about the task. Read all of Romans 10.
How to Write Your Own Farewell Message to a Missionary
Name what you will miss. A concrete memory, such as a Saturday breakfast or a song, shows how much the person mattered.
Thank them for their obedience. A missionary leaves comforts behind, and gratitude from those who stay is a source of strength.
Promise only what you can keep. A weekly prayer, a monthly letter or a visit in two years is better than a vague "we will stay in touch".
Include the children. Missionary children give up a lot, and a line addressed to them is a kindness the parents will remember.
Speak of God's presence in the new place. He is already there, and the family does not arrive alone.
Offer practical help: a box to ship, a lift to the airport, a phone call on the first night in the new country.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you write in a farewell card for a missionary?
Thank them for their obedience, say what you will miss, promise your prayers and add a short verse. Three or four sentences and your name are enough. Add a way to stay in touch if you can.
What Bible verse is good for sending off a missionary?
Acts 13:2-3, Isaiah 6:8 and Psalm 121:7-8 are good choices. They speak of the church sending out its members, of answering God's call and of the Lord keeping us as we go out and come in.
How can a church support a missionary family after the farewell?
Pray regularly, write and call, send news from the church, give faithfully and offer help when they return. The farewell is only the start of the support.