"Go… and make disciples of all nations…and I am with you always.”
Matthew 28:19-20
WBC’s missions DNA
Wheaton Bible Church has had a “missions DNA” from birth. From our inception in 1929—even before WBC had a full-time pastor or permanent facility—God was sending members of our church as missionaries around the world.
Today, our 60 sent and supported missionary singles and families are Boomers and Millennials; evangelists, educators, and entrepreneurs; individuals from diverse backgrounds who are using their spiritual gifts, passions, and developed skills to serve others and to make Christ known.
Each international worker sent by our church is resourced on-field by a trusted sending agency for guidance, accountability, and care. Plus, each has a strong connection with our Global Missions staff, volunteers, and church communities.
Impact In Numbers
30%
Total budget contributed towards missions
540
Missionaries sent since 1929
90+
Missionaries & Partners Supported
Over 50
Nations
Nearly 100 Years of Reaching the World!
Our church sent our first missionary couple to Ethiopia. WBC’s presence in Africa has been continual ever since that initial arduous travel. Throughout the decades, our missionaries have extended hope and the Gospel in parts of Africa through education, evangelism, theological training, AIDS awareness, health care, community development, and more. Today, our missionaries and partners are present or extending influence in more than 50 nations on five continents.
During World War II, WBC missionaries faced danger: One couple was interned in a prison camp in the South Pacific; another was taken captive when their ship was sunk. Yet God protected, and they continued in service.
Postwar Europe became a major missions focus for our church. Today, over 40 WBC missionaries are extending the Gospel in more than a dozen European nations through an array of platforms.
George & Beth Raney deployed to SE Asia with Missionary Aviation Fellowship; 18 months later, George tragically died in an aircraft accident. A single mom with 4 children, Beth courageously continued as a missionary nurse. Today, WBC supports the 3rd generation of this family, as the Raneys and Macrises serve on 3 continents.
As Communism fell in Eastern Europe, WBC invested in a “sister church” in Deva, Romania—financially and via short-term teams. Since then, WBC has sent over a dozen career missionaries to Eastern Europe. Timotheus Bible Institute, founded by Elisei & Adriana Rusu, has trained over 400 pastors for Romania and far beyond.
Our church began sending multiple “GO Teams.” Hundreds from our church family have served on these short-term mission trips on 5 continents to partner with our global workers.
In 2004, WBC launched a major initiative to serve those afflicted by AIDS in Kenya…and subsequently to address starvation in a different remote region. HOPE [Kenya] now brings transformation through community development, orphan care, water access, agriculture, microfinance, skill development, and church planting.
2011-12 – Our MOVE Initiative sent a dozen workers to serve the growing immigrant and refugee populations of Europe.
2015 – In some of the world’s most challenging contexts—including North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia—we accelerated supporting Strategic Indigenous Leaders (SILs) to reach their own people in places difficult for Westerners to enter and earn influence. (see WE PARTNER)
2019 – Fresh out of college, Noah & Jill Ellenwood arrived in Montenegro. They are one couple among more than 20 Millennials supported by WBC serving in under-reached cultures via Gospel platforms including education, sports, technology, social justice, mental health, and holistic ministry–along with evangelism and church planting.
Why Go?
In the opening book of the Bible, God unveils His conspiracy of grace “to bless all the families of the earth “through the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 12:3). The Prophets and Psalms foretell God’s purpose for the coming Messiah to be a light to all nations and to bring redemption and rescue to all peoples.
The Gospels and Letters of the New Testament make known the person of Jesus Christ, affirming the Great Commandments to love God and our neighbor … and the Great Commission to His followers to make disciples of all nations.
The final book of the Bible records a glimpse into heaven and assures those who trust in Christ of a Great Celebration! “…Before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language…wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands …crying out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Revelation 7:9-10).
From beginning to end, Scripture is God’s declaration and demonstration of His purpose to restore humanity in relationship with Himself through Christ … and every Christ-follower is called to join in this grand mission. Wheaton Bible Church was founded recognizing the authority of Scripture and with a passion that everyone, everywhere has opportunity to hear and respond to God’s invitation of mercy and new life in Christ Jesus.
FAQs
WBC supports missionaries serving under more than 35 trusted mission organizations. Some of our primary sending agencies include Greater Europe Mission, SIM, Wycliffe, Pioneers, Josiah Venture, and Reach Beyond.
Our church supports those who have been active members of our congregation for 3 years or more who have completed a preparation process and been affirmed by our leadership for service with a trusted ECFA-accredited sending agency.
Join the Mission
Ready to take the next step? Learn how you can serve our neighbors or the nations!
