For generations, American missionaries have brought the gospel, education, and humanitarian aid to communities in need, often transforming lives in powerful ways. Yet, in many cases, these well-intentioned efforts have inadvertently fostered long-term dependency rather than sustainable growth. Instead of equipping local churches and leaders to thrive independently, missions have too often created a system where foreign funding and governance are necessary for survival. We explore the unintended consequences of the “missionary welfare state” and calls for a radical shift in how missions are done—one that prioritizes local leadership, financial self-sufficiency, and true empowerment over perpetual aid.