![]() ![]() Sometimes a church is just not able to provide sufficient finances for a pastor. His arrangement in Corinth was the exception, not the rule. Paul did take wages from other churches (2 Corinthians 11:8). But he made it clear that he did this as a voluntary sacrifice on their behalf, “that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel” (verse 18). It is true that the apostle Paul supported himself as he ministered in Corinth (1 Corinthians 9:12). ![]() Caring for the spiritual needs of a congregation is an important work-probably more important than other things we normally spend money on, such as meeting our physical needs, maintaining our vehicles, and entertaining ourselves. There is nothing spiritual about making a pastor “suffer for the Lord.” Yes, a pastor has been divinely called to his ministry, but it does not follow that a congregation should say, “Let God take care of him.” God says the local church is responsible to take care of him and his family. Our pastors are worth more than many oxen. Let them share in the material blessings of the congregation they serve. It would be cruel to work an ox while denying it grain, and we should take care not to treat our pastors cruelly. Those elders who serve the church well-especially teachers and preachers-should receive double honor. Church elders should be honored, and this honor includes wages. For the Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’” There are several points made in this passage. First Corinthians 9:14 gives the church clear instruction: “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” We pay people to prepare and serve our physical food shouldn’t we also be willing to pay those who see to our spiritual food? And, honestly, which is more important-physical food or spiritual food-based on Matthew 4:4?įirst Timothy 5:17–18 says, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. A church should definitely provide for the financial needs of its pastor(s) and any other full-time ministers. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |