15 APRIL 2012

The The Support Support

of of PreachersPreachers

These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: "Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Matt 10:5-8 (NKJV)

Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food. 11 Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Matt 10:9-14 (NKJV)

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 And He said to them, "Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them. Luke 9:1-5 (NKJV)

And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. 8 He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts-- 9 but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. 10 Also He said to them, "In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. 11 And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!“ Mark 6:7-11 (NKJV)

After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. (Luke 10:1-4NKJV)

But whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house.' 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.‘Luke 10:5-9 (NKJV)

Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? 1 Cor 9:1-14 (NKJV)

8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 1 Cor 9:1-11 (NKJV)

If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? 14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. 1 Cor 9:11-14 (NKJV)

I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 2 Cor 11:8-9 (NKJV)

Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Phil 4:14-17 (NKJV)

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Gal 6:6 (NKJV) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18: For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward” (I Tim. 5: 17, 18).

There is so much ignorance relative to the subject of the financial support of faithful preachers. In a sense, the local church is an employer (I Cor. 9: 1-6, 14). As employers how does the church treats preachers?We have this problem so must see it as a challenge to over come!

The Church as Employer & Preacher as The Church as Employer & Preacher as EmployeeEmployee

Both “employees” and “employers” have biblical principles governing them (Col. 3: 23 - 4: 1).

Since the local church is comprised of Christians, one would expect the local church to set the example of “employer” and “employee” relationship. That is very far from being the case.Many local churches when it comes to discussing preachers support the attitude of brethren and practice when compared to the secular realm of employment, very few would desire to enter into such an “employer” and “employee” circumstance.

The Church as Employer & Preacher as The Church as Employer & Preacher as EmployeeEmployee

Who would seek employment where: One is subject to call twenty-four, seven.Provide working tools.Unlimited working hours and environment No retirement benefits.Seldom, even an actual raise in pay. Poor or no medical allowance

The Church as Employer & Preacher as The Church as Employer & Preacher as EmployeeEmployee

Who would seek employment where:Your job is not fully defined.You are to encourage employer.You are to point out faults of employerIf no baptisms you will be blamed!If people are up-set you will be blamed!Do not even dream about bonuses No financial appreciation – 13th month

The Church as Employer & Preacher as The Church as Employer & Preacher as EmployeeEmployee

Who would seek employment where:“If you ever indicate you are not totally and wonderfully impressed with what we offer, you will be labeled as a hireling who is preaching for money and an opportunist, seeking to get rich off the brethren!”If you ask for a raise- you greedyIf you teach on preacher’s support – greedy!!

The Poor treatment of preachers is a The Poor treatment of preachers is a SinSin

The poor attitude of brethren in local churches as ‘employers’ toward their preachers is best described as sin.

They would not even think of working for such an employer, yet, they have no problem with their abuse and neglect. Why is this?”

I have witnessed some disgusting and shameful practices and treatment of preachers.

GOOD TREATMENT OF PREACHER IN NIGERIA.

A local church pays their preacher well, they give him a regular increment every year.He told the church that he wants to read law in the University, he was allowed.The brethren bought a car for him. Jos and WarriThe church recently gave him money to refurbish his car.In another local church, a brother bought a car for the preacher.Another brother two years later another brother gave him another car.

Why are preachers treated poorly?Why are preachers treated poorly?Preachers are often responsible. They refuse to teach this subject!They suffer in silence – If they teach many view the preacher as having ulterior and selfish motives, he wants a pay raise. Notwithstanding such sensitivity, “…all the counsel of God” must be declared by the faithful man of God (cf. Acts 20: 20, 27). Let me say that an unfaithful preacher is not worth one penny in terms of church support.

A man who has dedicated his life to living and preaching the gospel is doing the greatest work, so needs good support - Rom. 10: 15

Why are preachers treated poorly?Why are preachers treated poorly?Based on my observations and application of the scriptures, I believe the souls of a sizeable number of brethren are in jeopardy due to their attitudes about the matter of financially providing for the preacher. “Most preachers do not have a raise in ten years of preaching. In view of the humiliation that they must endure regarding cost of living adjustments, they just do not want to even have such discussed.

Sincerely answer this questions:Would you be happy see your preacher give his children sound academic training? Or not able to pay school fees? So beg?Would you be happy see your preacher and his family dress well? Or dress in poor clothing? Or beg brethren for clothes?Would you be happy see your preacher own a car? A new car or a very old car? Or does not need a car?

Sincerely answer this questions:Would you be happy see your preacher build and move into his own house? Or remain in church property? A brother visited me some years ago and asked whether I own the house I am living? A church of Christ preacher? What a mentality!!!A brother returned from USA, amazed that the preacher drives the best car in the local church as he walked with him in the car park. The preacher took him home and waoooh it is beautiful. Another came saying the preacher there is paid N1.1m monthly.

Funny Practices By Some ChurchesFunny Practices By Some ChurchesIn the USA a preacher was employed and the support was agreed on a weekly amount. The month the preacher resumed, he was told that he will be paid monthly and they did it to save two weeks support of the preacher to the church treasury. He was very discouraged at the brethren’s attitude toward the support of the preacher….” In Nigeria one was engaged and about second month his salary was slashed. They said the church cannot sustain the agreed salary.

Preachers Support is No Benevolence - Preachers Support is No Benevolence - is a wage!is a wage!

When a man left secular employment and entered preaching, and brethren will see preacher support under benevolence. We must resent the idea of a preacher “depending on charity and benevolence.” Gal.6:6 should be seen as a duty by every Christian and not what you give to a beggar.Some brethren will remind the preacher of how many widows and needy brethren the church has as if the preacher has become another benevolent case!…and preachers are have become sickened at such comments.

Preachers Support is No Benevolence - Preachers Support is No Benevolence - is a wage!is a wage!

“I have been preaching since 1985, I have seen many things, but the most disgusting of all is the practice of too many churches when it comes to their treatment of faithful preachers. They have a way of making the preaching feel like a work for losers!This made one of the first generation preacher say that his son will not be a preacher.

Some terms used by Paul considered!Some terms used by Paul considered!SOLDIER AND HIS PAY: Since Paul used the example of the soldier and his pay, let us briefly consider the case of the soldier (I Cor. 9: 7). First, the soldiers received pay (cp. Luke 3: 14). Paul reasoned that it would be foolish to think of soldiers not being financially supported. Yet, some think preachers should not receive regular support.

Some terms used by Paul considered!Some terms used by Paul considered!WAGES: “wages” in Luke 3: 14 John told the soldiers be content with wages. Paul use same word 2 Corinthians 11: 8 regarding his support. Notice how Paul used it:“I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service” (2 Cor. 11).

Paul used the strong word “robbed” because while Paul preached at Corinth, he refused support from the Corinthian church, but accepted it from other churches ( Phili. 4: 14f.). Paul had refused pay from the church at Corinth due to their ungodly attitudes about supporting him (I Cor. 9).

Considering Some MisconceptionsConsidering Some MisconceptionsRegarding the example of Paul, he even did what many today would say is automatically a sin: He preached and was supported and at the same time, he also labored in secular pursuits for financial gain (Acts 18: 1-4, cp. 2 Cor. 11: 8). In performing this secular work, it is evident that he did not neglect his work of preaching and he was not abusing the support he was receiving from churches.

After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. Acts 18:1-4 (NKJV)

Considering Some MisconceptionsConsidering Some MisconceptionsMany brethren today would condemn preachers for doing what Paul did.Paul, just as in Corinth, did not accept support from the Thessalonians “For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God” 1 Thess 2:9 (NKJV) He worked secularly and expended himself (Acts 18). It also appears that while in Ephesus, Paul was involved in secular work (Acts 20: 34). He also even helped to support others working with him (Ibid.). Yet, during this time he was also supported.For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Phil 4:16 (NKJV)Another preacher was also warned that if he had any outside income, it must be reported to the church and they would deduct from their support accordingly.”

Considering Some MisconceptionseConsidering Some Misconceptionse“Have you ever preachers been told by brethren that “you ‘can’t allow your wife to work out of the home…because she must be available to work with the women?’ Some think we the engage a preacher, the wife is part of the deal.How come the world is wiser than us in this regard – they treat the minister’s wife respect

How Much Should A Preacher Be PaidHow Much Should A Preacher Be PaidBefore we say more, it needs to be pointed out that most preachers are in an often unique situation. Most preachers lack the common fringe benefits of the average worker. Most companies provide health insurance and contribute to a retirement fund. When the maintenance of an office and the use of a car are involved, it is almost automatic that the employer provide financial remuneration for these expenses.

How Much Should A Preacher Be PaidHow Much Should A Preacher Be PaidThe last secular employment that I had before entering preaching, I received a regular annual increase in my salary. The company believed in showing their appreciation for the work and dedication of their employees.

How Much Should A Preacher Be PaidHow Much Should A Preacher Be PaidOne might object as many do by saying: “You cannot compare preaching to secular pursuits and vocations!” Paul did (I Cor. 9). Due to logistics, I do not personally advocate that the local church provide all these benefits that the average member often takes for granted, but I do think the church should pay the preacher enough so that he can provide these matters for himself.

How Much Should A Preacher Be PaidHow Much Should A Preacher Be Paid“…the laborer is worthy of his hire,” as well as what we just considered, I think it is perfectly scriptural to say that the preacher should be paid more than the average or even upper class (financially speaking) member makes. Then Individuals must meet their obligation to him.

How Much Should A Preacher Be PaidHow Much Should A Preacher Be PaidIn a congregation without elders, the only officer of the church is the preacher. I visited a congregation and the first brother who welcomed me, introduced himself as the secretary of the church. I told him that he would had just told me his name.A brother who was the secretary of the church for many years, was lifted in pride that he told the preacher that he was superior to the preacher. The preacher asked bible passage??!!

How Much Should A Preacher Be PaidHow Much Should A Preacher Be PaidI recall one member in a business meeting in which the motion was made (the church did not have elders) that the preacher have a raise in his support strongly objecting: “This preacher is making as much as I am!” The member worked at a relatively unskilled job; yet, he presented himself as the standard. Such shallow and inconsiderate thinking should not be tolerated. He forgot that preaching is a skilled labour!

How Much Should A Preacher Be PaidHow Much Should A Preacher Be PaidAnswer this; “Would I want to be the employee of the church of Christ?” Can you imagine applying for employment at a company and the company asking you, “Do you have other income besides what we will pay you?” and then being told, “If you do, we shall subtract that amount from the salary that we offer.”

How Much Should A Preacher Be PaidHow Much Should A Preacher Be PaidI knew one preacher who took early retirement from his secular job and the church told him, “We must consider your other income and adjust what we offer accordingly.” I ask, what kind of thinking is this? Some churches are very up-set if the preacher, perhaps a man who has preached for many years, asks for a three week vacation. Yet, they all have their vacation time, usually considerably more than three weeks. Would they be interested in working for a company with such an attitude and employment practices?

How Much Should A Preacher Be PaidHow Much Should A Preacher Be PaidYou and I both know that such a company would be the laughing stock of the city. After a true comparison, too many local churches have such an employment, if you will, mentality. “Get the preacher for as little as we can and save the Lord’s money,” is their miserly thinking. However, as seen, God does not so think. The simplicity of Christ is what the brethren are abusing – unheard in denominations!!!Don, I have spoken with five young, very capable preachers this year who are leaving full-time preaching. To the man, they all say they have become very disgusted at the practices of too many local churches when it comes to preacher support. They have families to support and normal desires for their children to go to college and such is almost impossible with the stingy practices of many churches….”

How Much Should A Preacher Be PaidHow Much Should A Preacher Be PaidIt appears from such this verses: useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. 1 Tim 6:5 (NKJV)that preaching in the First Century was sometimes monetarily attractive. Paul taught preachers about the “love of money” (I Tim. 6: 10f.).

Such would not have been the case had preacher support commonly been such as it is too often today.

The Church as Employer & Preacher as The Church as Employer & Preacher as EmployeeEmployee

Brethren need to repent of the miserly practices they have had and start using the Lord’s treasury as He intends. Preachers also need to educate brethren and expect them to do what is right. As acknowledged, one penny spent on an unfaithful preacher is too much.

However, a good man will never be over supported, all things considered (Matt. 7: 12).

“Brother Martin, I am almost seventy-six and have preached since I was twenty. I have not taken much for my support (much never was offered) and I have not been able to save. In fact, I elected out of social security when young because I did not see how I could pay the full amount. I just do not know what I am going to do, other than continue to trust in the Lord to provide. Brethren no longer want me telling me that I am too old and I must admit that I am more forgetful. My wife died last year, a lot of it caused by worry over how we would manage. I am ashamed to say it but I am often so discouraged that I am considering taking my own life. I know that I cannot do this because I believe I do not have the right to take my life. I am too proud to beg. I just do not know….I am, though, very encouraged at your teaching and I bid you God speed. Perhaps if I had taught the brethren more but I did not want to be accused of simply wanting a raise.”

A SAD COMMENTARY ON PRACHER’S A SAD COMMENTARY ON PRACHER’S SUPPORTSUPPORT

My journey as a preacher since 1985

My journey as a preacher since 1985 with regard to my getting paid for preaching the gospel is a sad commentary.The first monthly support will not feed us let alone provide the other basic necessities of life.My children would go to school, and the church was not sensitive to these needs.Surprisingly brethren come to me to take from this far from adequate support!

My journey as a preacher since 1985

Knowing that relying on the church will make me a beggar I looked seriously for how to do the LORD’S work and take care of my family.I later asked the church to employ two young preachers because the church was growing, and we the church did.

My journey as a preacher since 1985The church now get to pay three preachers and for some reasons I told the church stop my support.For some years I did receive any support from the church and nobody saw it as a thing to worry about!!I was invited to teach at far away congregation and a young brother was saying that he wants to be my kind of preacher –serving the church and not being supported.

My journey as a preacher since 1985I knew immediately I am setting a wrong signal – and we not professionals in the church – but what late Brother Young called half baked preachers.I then start a support-come-back campaign for two reasons:That the church take care of their preachers and be blessed.That we may move the church from this sad situation for future preachers. So that men may desire it.