DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE PREACHER'S SALARY

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE PREACHER'S SALARY

"Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!"

(I Corinthians 9:14-16)

Apparently, there were some in the church at Corinth who were complaining that the preach was being paid too much. A common complaint and source of contention among church-going people is that the preacher makes too much money. Many people think that ministers are overpaid for the seemingly little they do – preaching once or twice on Sunday, maybe a Bible study. People don't realize the hours it takes to prepare for expounding God's Word, not to mention the hours of counseling and visitation and the care for the flock.

The prayer of one parishioner might reflect the thoughts of many people: "Lord, you keep the preacher humble and we'll keep him poor."

Paul gives several metaphors of the principle that the preacher should be paid well. For example, the ox that treads the wheat should eat of the wheat. The farmer should be allowed to eat of the produce of his field and flocks. And from the Old Testament, the priests ate of the offerings brought for sacrifice at the temple.

But Paul said he was free of any insinuation that he had abused his position as an Apostle by being paid. Indeed, the Book of Acts records that when Paul came to Corinth on his missionary journey, he worked as a tent-maker with Aquila and Priscilla as a vocational missionary (Acts 18:3). He supported himself so that he would not be a burden on the church. As he wrote in this letter, he had every right as an Apostle to be supported by the church, but chose not use that right lest he gospel of Christ be hindered (vs 12). He disciplined himself lest, after preaching to others, his ministry would be disqualified (vs. 27).

So, the next time someone complains about the preacher's salary, take them to I Corinthians Chapter 9. As Paul wrote in another place, "The laborer is worthy of his wages" (I Timothy 5:18). We honor God's gift of a Pastor to us when we treat him well.

Love, Dad