How can we apply 3 John 1:7 in our church's mission efforts?

◄ Apply 3 John 1:7 to church missions? ►

The Heart of 3 John 1:7

“For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.”

• “Went out” – intentional, Spirit-led movement into new fields.

• “On behalf of the Name” – exclusive devotion to Jesus, proclaiming His gospel.

• “Accepting nothing from the Gentiles” – refusing outside funding so the message stays pure and free of misunderstanding.

Timeless Mission Principles Drawn from the Verse

• Christ-centered motive – Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17.

• Church-based sending and support – Philippians 4:15-18; Romans 10:15.

• Freedom from worldly leverage – Galatians 1:10.

Practical Ways Our Church Can Apply These Principles

1. Commission Believers “on behalf of the Name”

• Prepare every team with clear gospel training (Matthew 28:19-20).

• Require doctrinal agreement so the Name is represented faithfully (Jude 3).

2. Fund Missions Internally

• Allocate a set percentage of the annual budget to missions before other line items.

• Encourage members to give above tithes for short-term trips and long-term workers (2 Corinthians 9:7).

• Model transparency: publish quarterly mission financial reports.

3. Provide Ongoing Care Rather Than Making Workers Seek Secular Aid

• Assign each missionary a home-church advocate for monthly contact (Philippians 1:3-5).

• Cover health insurance, travel, and furlough costs so they remain focused on ministry (1 Timothy 5:18).

4. Practice Generous Hospitality for Traveling Ministers

• Open homes, provide vehicles, and supply gift cards during visits (3 John 1:5-6).

• Schedule debrief dinners so they can share victories and needs with the body (Romans 12:13).

5. Guard the Message from Compromise

• Reject funding sources that carry strings conflicting with biblical convictions.

• Train missionaries to present the gospel freely, refusing payments that could confuse motives (Acts 8:20-21).

6. Pray and Fast as the Sending Powerhouse

• Set monthly congregational prayer gatherings focused on each field (Acts 13:3).

• Maintain a missions calendar highlighting daily requests from workers.

Encouragement for the Whole Body

• Giving and going are inseparable forms of worship (Philippians 4:17).

• Every gift, whether financial or relational, partners us in the harvest (3 John 1:8).

• The Lord promises to supply all needs when we prioritize His Name among the nations (Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:19).