Read: I Corinthians 9:13-14 |
Charles Spurgeon was once asked by the officers of a small country church to recommend a Pastor for them.
As he reviewed their requirements and salary, he noted the small salary they were offering. He wrote back to them, “The only individual I know, who could exist on such a stipend, is the angel Gabriel. He would need neither cash nor clothes; and he could come down from heaven every Sunday morning, and go back at night, so I advise you to invite him”.
The salary of Pastors and staff often yield lively debates and discussions. While the decision makers may agree that Pastors deserve a living wage, they are challenged to find the balance between the budget and their notion of a living wage.
This series focuses on the scriptural reasons believers “should give”. Today’s posting focuses on providing the scriptural foundation for financially supporting the preachers of the Gospel with a living wage.
The Reason – Believers are called to support the Pastor and staff
Pastors hold a special place in God’s heart.
All through history God has used Pastors to point believers and non-believers towards the one true God, to offer hope to the hopeless, to preach and teach his Word and to call us to repentance and service.
In the Old Testament, Melchizedek ministered to Abram (Abraham). Abram blessed him by giving him a tithe of a tenth part of everything from his spoils of war. In the New Testament, we find Jesus in Luke 10 sending out the disciples. He instructed them not to even take a purse with them as they left to preach and teach. Paul’s instructions in I Cor. 9:13-14 were an extension of the teachings of Jesus. Paul preached and taught that we should provide financially for those who minister the gospel.
The Rationale – Giving to the support the Pastoral staff aligns us to God’s will to bless and support those who teach us
The role of the Pastor is physically and emotionally taxing. It is one of the most difficult callings in the world!
Day-by-day they seek God, and study to show themselves approved (2 Tim 2:15). Depending upon the size of their staff, there duties include teaching, caregiving, performing rites of baptisms, weddings and funerals, administration and serving as an ambassador of the church in the community to name a few. To avoid burn-out, they are constantly trying to find a balance and avoid working 24/7.
Given the taxing nature of the role, requiring Pastors to also struggle to make ends meet takes away from their ability to focus on their calling. Thus, God’s plan for Pastors has always included providing for them. The scriptures below point out the need for the church to provide for the Pastor.
- I Cor. 9:11 NASB – If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?
- 2 Corinthians 9:10 NASB – Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness
- 1 Timothy 5:17-18 NASB – The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
Ideally, after the church leadership prays, they arrive at the right stipend and housing/car allowance for their Pastor. In less ideal circumstances, Pastors work part-time to supplement their salary.
Spiritual leaders can best serve when they are dedicated to the work of the Lord — studying and teaching God’s Word and ministering to the needs of the body of Christ. When a minister must work a job to provide for his family, they are distracted from ministry and forced to divide their priorities, leaving less time to shepherd their flock properly.
While support for a Pastor is most tangible when it is financial, they also need emotional, spiritual, social and at times physical support from the church family.
Pray and ask God for insight for how you can consistently bless the Pastor and staff through giving of your time, talent and treasure.
Questions:
1. Discover –
A. When you give your offering, does how well-off you perceive the Pastor to be affect the amount that you give?
B. When you hear of Pastors flying around in jet airplanes and driving fancy cars does it affect what you think or give at your local church?
2. Develop –
A. Why have many Christian workers traditionally been underpaid? Is this biblical?
B. Does our church emphasize money: a) too much; b) not enough; c) about right? What do you base this on?
3. Demonstrate –
A. This week reach out to your Pastor and send them a note of gratitude for their work and ministry.
B. Ask a few members to join with you during the week of Valentine or the Pastor’s or the Wife’s Birthday to give them a dinner or small shopping spree.
