The Theology of Risk: Serving in Countries with Christian Persecution
In some places where SIM USA serves, Christians face varying levels of persecution. Many of the world’s least-reached people live in these contexts, where following Jesus comes with significant risk.
There is an urgent need for global workers to share the gospel with those who have never heard it. So, how do we support workers in countries where Christian persecution exists? At SIM USA, we call this “the theology of risk.”
Imagine a bicycle with two wheels. One wheel says, “Trust God.” The other wheel says, “Act wisely.” Together, they illustrate our approach to serving in these places.
“We want to be trusting God with everything that we’re doing and trusting God with the risks we take. We know going into this work that there are all levels of risk involved, and so we trust God for those risks,” Wendy A., our deputy director of personnel, said. “But we also want to act wisely. We want to be good stewards of our people and resources.”
Finding this balance involves discernment—seeking God’s wisdom while evaluating each ministry context.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
How Do We Evaluate Global Ministry Risk?
When determining whether to send a worker into a country where Christian persecution exists, we evaluate these key factors:
The Local Church
We assess how a global worker’s presence could impact the local Church. Could the presence of cross-cultural workers increase hostility toward local believers? If our presence puts the local Church at greater risk, we would not place workers in that area. Protecting and caring for the local Church is a central part of our discernment process.
Attitude Toward Foreigners
We evaluate how foreigners are viewed and treated within a country. This includes whether they may be at greater risk of harassment, discrimination, or violence. We also consider the government’s policies and attitude toward foreign nationals. If simply being a foreigner creates additional risk, that factor shapes how we approach ministry in that context.
Origin of Risk
We determine where the primary threat of persecution comes from. Does it come from the government or from a local community? What type of risk does it involve? When we understand where the risk originates and what it is, we determine if and how we can safely mitigate that risk.
Physical Harm Risk
We carefully assess the risk of physical harm to our global workers. If the likelihood of bodily harm is too great, we would generally not place workers in that country. Or if the risk of physical harm becomes too high in a place where workers currently serve, we may withdraw them. While we are willing to navigate many types of risk, we do not expose workers to an unacceptable threat of physical harm.
Like the two wheels of a bicycle, trust and wisdom must work together. We trust God with every step of the journey while carefully discerning how to steward the people and resources He has entrusted to us.
Every ministry context is different, and every placement decision requires intentional discernment. We seek to faithfully serve in least-reached places while wisely caring for our workers and the local Church.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
How Does SIM USA Support Workers in Challenging Contexts?
Supporting workers in challenging contexts begins with security training before going overseas. This training prepares them for potential security challenges they may face in their country of service.
We also partner closely with the SIM leadership team in each worker’s country of service. That team provides training tailored to the local context. They understand the environment best, so they can equip workers for the specific situations they may encounter. This could include training in location-based communication practices and security protocols.
Our support continues long after the worker first arrives overseas. SIM USA’s Member Care team maintains ongoing communication and regular check-ins with workers around the world.
If significant events occur—like natural disasters, security incidents, or personal crises—we provide additional care and support. Working closely with field leadership and the worker, we discern the next best steps. This could include counseling, temporary relocation, retreats, or other resources based on the worker’s needs. We seek input from those who know the local context best while carefully evaluating the well-being of our workers.
This thorough preparation and ongoing support is for every SIM USA worker, no matter where God leads them.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
How Do We Respond When Risks Increase for a Global Worker?
When risks arise, SIM USA works with field leadership, international security teams, and the worker to discern the path forward. This sometimes includes deciding whether it is appropriate for the worker to remain in the country.
“We are in contact with our international security team, and they’re giving us advice based on what they’re hearing from their networks. We are in touch with the on-the-ground team. We’re in touch with the workers themselves. Basically, we evaluate from all these standpoints what the level of risk is,” Wendy said. “We really try not to make decisions in a vacuum. We try to make them in connection with our international teams.”
If our teams determine that the risk has become too great, we will withdraw the worker from the country. However, even if our assessment indicates it is appropriate to remain, the worker is never required to stay. If they believe the risk is too great, we will fully support their decision to leave.
“Always in these situations, the people who are there have the right to make the decision for their family—to say ‘We feel this is too risky for us.’ And we will always let them do that,” Wendy said. “But in terms of requiring an evacuation, we really try to make sure there are multiple voices speaking into it, so that we can discern it well.”
Every situation is unique, and decisions about remaining in or leaving a country are never made lightly. Through prayer, collaboration, and discernment, we seek to steward our workers faithfully.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
What Should You Know About Serving in Places with Persecution?
Are you interested in serving overseas but have questions about the potential risks involved?
Through conversations with SIM USA, you can understand the risks and realities of the country you’re interested in. Wendy said many people discover the reality is different from what they expected—often far less daunting than they imagined.
During SIM USA’s preparation process, workers can participate in a Vision Trip—a visit to the country they are considering serving in. This experience allows them to see firsthand what daily life and ministry look like for current SIM USA workers. A Vision Trip provides an opportunity to prayerfully discern whether God may be leading them to serve there.
Wendy also encourages potential workers to study the history of persecution in the Church.
“Looking at those stories of faith can be really encouraging—seeing the way God protected people, met people, and used people,” Wendy said. “Looking back at the history of the Church across the world can help put things into perspective and encourage them to be willing to take the risks if that’s the place where God is calling them to go.”
At SIM USA, the goal is not to ignore risk. Instead, through preparation, community, and prayerful discernment, workers are equipped to serve faithfully while trusting God with the risks they may encounter.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Ready to Serve Overseas? Connect with SIM USA Today
At SIM USA, we are ready to walk alongside you as you consider serving in places where the need for the gospel is great. We believe risk should be approached with both faith and wisdom. We are committed to helping you prepare, discern, and serve faithfully wherever God leads.
“You’re not doing this alone,” Wendy said. “There’s a whole community, a whole organization, that is looking out for these things for you. You don’t have to figure these things out on your own.”
To learn more about serving with SIM USA, connect with a mission coach and attend a Connect event.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Maggie Watts
Content Creator
I am a Content Creator with SIM USA. It is a joy to use writing and multimedia to glorify God and tell stories about how He is working around the world.