Ever since planting a church in Richmond, Virginia, my elders and I have tried to think creatively and strategically about missions partnerships. We’re convinced of the wisdom of a “laserlight” over a “floodlight” approach, but how else can small or young churches think wisely about global reach?

In a new article this week, pastor Brandon Langley draws from experience to exhort us to think relationally, to spend wisely, and to dream big while staying focused. On that last point, he writes:

Pray big prayers and dream big dreams that may require big sacrifices—but as you do, stay focused. Don’t establish a Great Commission committee that feels pressure to embrace multiple partnerships at once. Jesus’s intention isn’t for small churches to spread themselves thin in loose partnerships just so their missions portfolio could be filled.

The account of how Langley’s small Louisiana church began ministering to unreached people in Southeast Asia is edifying to read. Through the work of a pastor named Julio, whose seminary education Langley’s church sponsored, God’s Word is now being translated into an East Timor tribal language for the first time.

No matter a congregation’s size, supporting strategic gospel workers with finances, prayers, encouragement, and care is a vital aspiration. Don’t underestimate how even small churches can be launching pads—both to our neighborhoods and to the nations.