How much missionary can earn?

Answer 1

Missionaries are typically supported through the church, which will decide on financial need.

AnswerThe income for a missionary varies greatly, because of the exchange rates and cost of living in a particular country, etc. One missionary who lives in a particular country might need twice as much money to live there as he would need in the United States, simply because he loses half his support when he exchanges the dollar for the foreign currency. And normally, another missionary in Another Country might be able to live on what Americans would consider next to nothing, because the American dollar is worth more there. But right now, all of the missionaries around the world are suffering from the economic situation here in the States, but some countries are worse than others. It would be impossible to really put a single amount on this answer and have it be accurate, because their income varies so greatly. However, I will include an example.

I received my examples from a mission board called Baptist International Missions, Inc. Right now, apparently Japan has the worst exchange rate for the American dollar, and it is costing missionaries more to live there. The example that I will include the most information about is Brazil. Brazil is a very large country, so this example does not include all of the areas within Brazil, but it does include most areas. To determine the amount of support that a missionary needs in the year 2009, they go by these general guidelines to come up with a "bottom line" figure:

Cost of living support per month (food, clothing, as well as supplies for the ministry, etc.): $900 per adult, $175 per child

Self-Employment taxes and social security (yes, missionaries still have to pay taxes!): $300-400 month

Housing: $600 per month (some areas in Brazil are more expensive, so this figure could go up to $800 per month)

Utilities: $250 per month

Retirement fund (BIMI requires this): $60-200 month

Medical insurance (For a family of 3 or more; this figure would be less for a couple or individual): $750

Education per child: $250 per month

Travel on field (a car, or bus fares, etc.): $250 month

Furlow fund (most missionaries are recommended to come home about every 4 years to visit supporting churches, get medical care that might not be available in the field, etc.): $100 month

Mission board administrative expenses (mission boards generally take care of a lot for missionaries. They forward all their mail, deposit support into an international account for them, etc.): $150 per month

So for an example, I will provide the bottom line figure for a family of four (Two adults, two kids) to be missionaries in the country of Brazil in the year 2009: $5110 - $5550 per month

On the other extreme, Mormon missionaries, those from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, don't get paid at all! Over 60,000 of them (currently) save their money to serve for 18 to 24 months with no financial compensation at all.

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LDS missionaries do not get paid for going on a mission, because we believe that our Gospel is a gift that we love to share with others. It would be an oxi-moron for us to get paid, and how could a church that profits NO MONEY pay for the gospel to spread?

Answer 2

That depends on many factors including denomination and the size of the church for which you are being a missionary. Of course Mormon missionaries don't get paid for what they do. In fact, they have to pay for themselves -- approximately $12,000 to serve for 2 years.

I've seen people sell their entire lifestyle and move to a foreign country. Their house, their business, gave up on friends, family in their local areas.

In general missionaries don't get paid that much. Just enough for food and living expenses. Some may have a little extra and then some might not even have enough for that. Usually when missionaries start out they raise enough to support themselves. But as time goes on. People that say they committed monthly forget or stop paying. Churches usually stay committed. Individuals usually drop out.

But Americans spend the same amount of money on Chewing Gum then missions. Actually John Piper said something like Americans spend more money on pet food in a 52 day period than they give in a year.

Answer 3

Missionaries earn nothing!, at least in the sense of worldly possessions. While churches and individuals do send money to missionaries, most all of it goes to buying building materials, cloths, food, shelter, and ministry goods with very little left for travel and housing and accommodation for the missionary. Missionaries usually rely on the grace of God in faith, and the kindness of others for their personal and travel needs.

Answer 4

"What ever you are willing to give". The finances to accomplish what ever goal a missionary is working to achieve usually comes from multiple sources. For example if a missionary had an orphanage with 20 kids. Their total budget could be $50,000 / year. It is unlikely that one sponsor gives all of that but they may have 2 or 3 significant supports who comprise 50% of that amount and the other 50% may come from a conglomeration of hundreds of people and or organizations who believe that the work being done is of value.

If the donor is giving with a sincere desire to be of help no gift is too small. Obviously it is logistically easier for a missionary to receive 50 gifts averaging $1000 dollars each than to receive 100,000 gifts which average $0.50. Most missionaries however appreciate any amount that is intended by the giver to be a blessing.

Answer 5

Missionaries are not paid. It is service :) and we love it

Answer 6

They do not get paid.