How can we "support such men" in our church community today? Scripture foundation “Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” (3 John 1:8) John is describing faithful itinerant gospel workers who went out “for the sake of the Name.” The command is plain: believers are to stand behind them so that the truth advances unhindered. Who “such men” are today • Missionaries planting churches among unreached peoples • Evangelists holding outreach events or campus ministries • Bible-translation teams and media missionaries taking Scripture to new languages • Church planters serving in needy regions of our own nation • Itinerant trainers equipping pastors where formal schooling is scarce Why their support matters • Participation makes us “fellow workers,” sharing in eternal fruit (Philippians 4:16-17). • Scripture calls material aid a priestly offering pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18). • Workers freed from earthly entanglements can devote themselves fully to gospel labor (1 Corinthians 9:13-14; 2 Timothy 2:4). Practical ways to support Financial partnership • Regular budgeted giving through the church or a reputable mission board • One-time gifts for special needs: visas, medical bills, vehicles, literature • Love offerings when they visit, modeled after the generosity of the Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) Hospitality • Hosting workers in our homes (Romans 12:13) • Providing meals, laundry, transportation, child care during furloughs • Offering office space, vehicles, or technology while they are stateside Prayer covering • Creating prayer chains that intercede for specific requests (Colossians 4:3-4) • Setting aside corporate prayer slots in Sunday or midweek gatherings • Sending short voice or video prayers that they can replay on the field Encouragement • Handwritten letters, voice messages, care packages with familiar items • Celebrating ministry milestones in congregational announcements • Inviting them to share testimonies so the church family sees answered prayer Hands-on partnership • Short-term teams that serve under their direction, not as tourists (Acts 13:5) • Remote services: bookkeeping, graphic design, language tutoring, homeschooling help via video • Advocacy inside the congregation—one member becomes point person to relay needs and updates Guarding doctrinal integrity • Vet workers carefully: sound doctrine, moral integrity, accountability structures (2 John 1:10-11). • Use statements of faith and reference checks before committing resources. • Continue pastoral oversight through regular communication, ensuring teaching remains “in step with the truth of the gospel” (Galatians 2:14). Blessings promised to supporters • God credits fruit to supporters’ accounts (Philippians 4:17). • Material needs supplied “according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). • A harvest of righteousness abounds to God’s glory (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). Steps a congregation can take this month • Identify at least one missionary family to adopt for year-round care. • Allocate a fixed percentage of the general budget to missions. • Schedule hospitality rotations so workers are never without lodging when in town. • Publish a monthly missions page with prayer points and answered prayers. • Review doctrinal alignment with all current partners to ensure ongoing fidelity to truth. By embracing these practices, a church becomes an active participant in the advance of the gospel, exactly as 3 John 1:8 envisions—fellow workers for the truth. |
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