As I read reports and observe what is happening across world missions, I can’t help but notice some trends that are cause for concern — especially when it comes to missionary retention. I am putting this together as a summary of what I’m preparing to share with our pastors, churches, and missionaries.

Missionary retention is facing significant challenges. Looking at the broader evangelical picture — which in some ways reflects what we see in our own BBFI family — nearly half of long-term missionaries (around 43–47%) leave the field within their first five years. Each year, approximately 10,000 missionaries come off the field, including those who retire. Of roughly 50,000 who have exited in recent years, about 10,000 passed away while serving, but an estimated 40,000 left due to financial pressure, family concerns, medical needs, cultural stress, or transitions into other types of ministries. While our reasons and specific numbers may vary somewhat, the overall concerns remain the same.

In the United States, the number of full-time missionaries has declined sharply — from about 1.1 million in 2001 to roughly 430,000 by 2025-2026. This represents a dramatic shift. Even more concerning is that many departures — possibly as high as 71% — are linked to preventable issues such as inadequate funding, insufficient preparation, relational conflict, and the stress of cross-cultural ministry. Additionally, the continued retirement of Baby Boomers is significantly reducing overall numbers.

So, what do we do?

We cannot afford to ignore these realities. They call for serious and honest discussion about both the causes and the solutions. We must carefully evaluate our missions strategies and consider how our churches will fulfill the Great Commission in a rapidly changing world.

At the same time, we must not lose our burden for world missions. We must continue to challenge our people to give and to go. The answer is not retreat — it is prayer, wisdom, and obedience. The urgency remains. As Jesus commanded in Matthew 9:38, we are still to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send forth laborers. Perhaps part of that prayer today is not only for more laborers, but for sustained, healthy, well-supported laborers.

-by BBFI Mission Director, Jon Konnerup