Hello
I’ve discovered that October is recognized as pastor appreciation month. How do you feel about that, should there be such a practice? Something to mull over as we chew on today’s Holy Nougat™
What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News. 1 Corinthians 9:18 NLT
Having declared that his pay is the joy of preaching Christ, Paul is VERY CLEAR that providing for the minister of the Gospel is a given, not an option. In Luke 8 and Acts 16, we are provided with proof of Jesus and the apostles being supported in the ministry.
How have we been supporting the work of ministry, and have we recognized this as GIVING UNTO God, and not personalised support of an individual? Yes, it may be one person who benefits (or several) from our tithes and offering; but ultimately, when we tithe, when we sow into the life of one who shares the Gospel with others, we give unto God. Should they opt out of receiving such payment and some do, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that their needs are being met before taking them up on the offer. And, in such cases, we ought to give back to God.
On the other hand, as ministers We OUGHT NOT be pimping the Gospel to the world. Mass solicitations should NOT be our norm. For we might find ourselves focusing on promotions and specialized treatment of those who provide mainstream support, rather than being SOULED OUT to the sharing of the Good News. When our focus is on preaching the Gospel of Christ to the world, ministry is our vocation and not just another career. When we are (forced to be) focusing on the monetary benefits or lack thereof, we might find that we are serving God AND others.
If your tithe is attached to a central fund, feel free to ask how it is spent. But remember, ultimately we give to God. If your tithe pays the pastor (and his staff) only, feel free to ask how the offerings are allocated. But remember, ultimately we give to God. If you support any ministry (whether locally or internationally), feel free to confirm how the funds are allocated, ensure that it is a ministry and not a scam. But remember, ultimately we give to God. If, as a Christian, you neither tithe not give an offering anywhere, check your motives. You know why. But remember, ultimately in not giving, we withhold from God.
Let us then give generously to our gracious God, assuring that the work of ministry is effected around the world.
May God’s blessings be upon us as we support all ministers all the time.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
