On the Support of Pastors
Stan E. DeKoven, Ph.D., D.Litt., MFT
Over my many years of ministry, I have encountered this question numerous times. Why should we support our pastors financially? After all, they state, Moses didn’t receive a salary (that we know of) nor David (though its no doubt good to be the King) nor Jesus, since he probably saved up much of his earnings as a carpenter/stone mason and his disciples paid tuition, and also, remember that Paul was a tentmaker. Why can’t our Pastors work like all the rest of us.
Well, of course, many (perhaps the majority) do, and few live the life of the rich and famous on their church salary. However, there are numerous benefits & blessings one receives because they have a full-time shepherd. Here are 4 of many for your consideration.
The fact is, as the people of God in the world we live in, we need help…perhaps not every day, but certainly at some time we will need guidance & care from the Word of God. Conscientious Pastors provide care to us and watch out for us, along with providing guidance in life. Further, pastors help bring…
Correction when we need it… again from the Word of God. Pastor’s labor (work) in the word, and are often in the best position to bring correction to us, while also providing…
Support, through their prayers & encouraging words. Further…
Pastors help lead a congregation through biblical instruction or teaching (all 5 -Fold ministers equip via teaching, even evangelists) and equips the saints to serve, in their home, at church and in the marketplace.
Thus, to have (we don’t own) a pastor who watches out for our souls can be a great blessing, and the bible (1 Tim. 5:17) clearly states that if a traveling speaker gets paid an honorarium, those who preach/teach the word deserve double!
But still, do we have to pay our pastors/spiritual leaders? Well, I suppose not… but we get to; their 24/7 job description is one of the most demanding & thankless of jobs, filled with burden and stress. Thus, being part of the congregation who support our pastor, worthy of double honor, is a blessing… to him and more so to me.
Anyway, we know that Pastors alone cannot fully equip God’s people… we need apostolic input, evangelists, prophets & teachers all contributing to our maturation, and they all (assuming they are truly called/gifted/anointed for their ministry) deserve financial and other support to fulfill their call. I am grateful for the Pastors and other 5-Fold ministry gifts that have spoken into my life, and every donation I have made into their care has provided multiplied blessing to me and my family in return; you really do reap what you sow.