1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
This is a difficult passage in light of the reality of small churches in many countries. In the USA, it has become almost impossible for a small church to support a pastor. Health insurance along can cost a small church $1500 a month (with a huge deductible), which in the past, could be used as the pastor’s salary. It is difficult if not impossible to support a pastor and family for less than $3000 a month, and that would be a small salary, some form of housing, health insurance, and likely no pension. The pastor would drive an old car and not have much if any money for savings, extra medical costs, vacation, or help with college. Few if any pastors are in ministry for the reimbursement they receive. But it can get discouraging when a church does not support its pastor adequately. A pastor or spouse may need to work outside in a second job, which will detract from his or her ability to minister and give quality time to church work. It is a difficult situation. What can we learn from Paul about this?
- The local church should do its best to support its pastor so that the ministry can grow because the pastor is giving adequate time to prayer, preaching, discipleship, and evangelism through the lay people.
- A pastor should not use finances as a form of blackmail in the ministry but should do whatever it takes to preach the gospel. This may mean working a second job. Paul is a great example of this with his tent making.
- We must be mission driven in all that we do in the local church. We may need to rethink the whole concept of “professional clergy” and realize that all people are ministers. Only a few will be called to preach.
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