Should ministers be paid

Answer 1

It would no doubt be a good idea to take a look at how the apostles and their associates were financed back in the first century when the Christian ministry was first established. That would be helpful because in that way we would see what "methods" they used and then follow their example. (1Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17)

As we all know the apostles and other Christian ministers of that day did a great deal of traveling and it was quite costly. Lodging, food , clothing and sailing from one place to another--all this had to be paid for in some legitimate way. So then, how did they manage?

The apostles and associate ministers took care of their expenses in two ways. The first way was by accepting hospitality that was kindly offered by their Christian brothers and sisters. (Acts 16:13-15; Acts 10:17, 18). The second way was by working at a trade and taking care of they're own expenses. (Acts 18:1-3)

It could be interesting to keep in mind that first century Christianity was "one" Christianity; it hadn't yet branched off into the differing groups known today as Christendom. In the first century the church functioned like a large extended family in which all the congregations looked out for each other. Money needs were readily passed back and forth between congregations. (Acts 2:44-47; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:16) All Christians fell under the protection of being able to ask for financial help from the congregations. (2 Corinthians 8:14, 15) When you got back on your feet and didn't need to be helped any longer you became a "giver" again; willing to offer help to fellow believers in need. (1 Timothy 6:17, 18)

So the apostles and their minister companions conducted themselves in much the same way. When traveling and in need of assistance they gratefully accepted the hospitality of others and if they stayed for an extended period they took care of themselves and extended hospitality by sharing what they had with others. (Acts 20:34; 1 Thessalonians 2:9)

An encyclopedia search shows us that the clergy did not get paid for preaching until the middle of the third century which was when a distinction between the laity class and the clergy class was first put in place. Therefore, historically speaking, no minister was paid for their ministry (as a secular job) until after that date.

When we combining scriptural history with secular history we could conclude that if a minister is traveling from place to place staying with hospitable fellow Christians, that would certainly fall within the guide lines of how the apostles first organized the church to function. Additionally, a minister would not be wrong in accepting money to cover travel expense and the like from one congregation to the next. However, as we see there is no scriptural or historical basis for a member of the clergy to become "Hospitality Dependent." (Acts 20:33-35, 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12)

(Scriptural confirmation of statements are added in order for the public forum to understand that the contributor's reasoning on the subject matter is objective rather then subjective. 1 Timothy 2:4)

Answer: From a practical, not theological, basis, ministers do need to be paid. Perhaps misionaries can survive on the kindness of strangers, but a minister to a particular congregation is going to have daily expenses of food, clothing, and shelter. If a minister is to travel in this day and age, a credit card is a necessary back-up, one that needs a credit history and a bank account behind it. Ministers are not tax-exempt, and the amount they are reimbursed (meaning they have to outlay the money initially) does not cover the actual cost of gas. If they are expected to give (tithe, even) they must have some source of income. How are they to pay for furthering their education? Attending conferences? Replacing pens and paper on which to write their sermons? To grow in faith one does not need money; to grow a church demands it.

ANSWER: As stated the stresses of the ministry today are formidable. Thus, the Apostle Paul is a excellent and practical example for all ministers today to follow. He wrote more books of the New Testament then anyone else, all the while founding and keeping in close contact with congregations in many different lands. As well he spoke publicly and gave sermons wherever he went; (Acts 20:20; Romans 10:10) quite a feat considering the modes of transportation in the first century and the antiquated forms used to write and preserve his manuscripts. (2 Timothy 4:13)

Ministers of today can take heart in Paul as an exemplar for he shows us that the stresses he faced and overcame to accomplish his ministry easily over shadow what we endure today as he was: stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19), shipwrecked (Acts 27:41), beaten and imprisoned (Acts 16:22-24) to name but a few. Though he supported his physical needs as a tent maker (Acts 18:3) and was helped along the way by hospital fellow believers (Romans 16:23) his true means of support was his surpassing faith that God would provide his necessities. (Matthew 25:31, 32) This factor was without doubt the cornerstone of his ability to play his part in growing the church that still stands today; the church loved so dearly. (Romans 8:35-39)

(Scriptural confirmation of statements are added in order for the public forum to understand that the contributor's reasoning on the subject matter is objective rather then subjective. 1 Timothy 2:4)