How much should we pay a minister?


Next subject in Ayuda Pastoral


What biblical principals bear upon  how much a minister should be paid?

It should be sufficient for a full-time ministry.      It was necessary for Paul at times to be  self-sustaining:     "... these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions"  (Act 20:34 cf 18:3).   But this was not the normal situation:  "... the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel" (1Cor 9:14).  So as a general rule it is better for the church that the pastor is full-time and supported as such:  "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables" (Act 6:2).

It should be sufficient for the needs of life.     Christ and his apostles were provided for materially by some women disciples  (Luk. 8.3).   In the case of Paul he was helped by Christians from Macedonia and Thessalonica   (2 Cor 11:9;  Phil 4:16).   Such provision would have included clothing,  accommodation and transport costs.

It should be compatible with the work involved.      Jesus says about the support of those he sent out as missionaries:    "the worker deserves his wages". (Luk 10:7).   And Paul comments:  "the Scripture says ... 'The worker deserves his wages'" (1Ti 5:18).    So the minister's stipend reflects to some extent typical salaries in the society where they work.

The best payment :  the joy of the Lord.    Paul suffered physically (2Cor 6:8-10; 11:25-27),  was wrongly criticised (1Cor 4:9; Acts 22:22) and was burdened for the churches (2Cor 11:28),  but he could testify:   "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything"   (2Cor 6:10 cf 1Cor 3:12-14;  Mk 10:29-30; Mat 25:21)).  His calling was from God and was not for personal gain:   "we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God" (1Th 2:9).    So he could say:  "in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds" (2Cor 7:4).

Comments

  1. Unknown4:11 pm

    Could you say something about congregations who exploit their staff in this area of remuneration? Alas, over a forty year period I have seen too many congregations who exploit their staff and then hide behind texts ripped out of their context to justify their actions (or inaction).

    ReplyDelete

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