This past week I had a person inquire about the term “pastor.” I explained that the word is referring to elders (Eph. 4:11) and that to become an elder one must meet the qualifications found in Titus 1 and II Timothy 3. I also went on to tell her that Jesus condemned the use of titles (Matt. 23:7-9). The problem with elevating religious leaders is not new. The church at Corinth faced this, and Paul rebuked them sharply (I Cor. 1:12-15).

Her response was to ask “What do people call you – by your name?” Yes, that is exactly what people do. The Bible describes those who proclaim the gospel as being preachers, ministers or evangelists. I pointed out that I am “Chuck who preaches,” not Preacher Chuck. Unfortunately, many in the religious realm who claim to be teachers demand that they be called Pastor so and so.

This problem is so ingrained into the minds of people that they find it very hard to reject. Many editions of the Bible – some in print for hundreds of years – list the authors of the first four books of the New Testament as Saint Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The fact is, all Christians are saints (II Cor. 1:1). So again, I am to be a saint, but I am not Saint Chuck.

Here is the fundamental question – have religious leaders earned the right to have a designation that is different from the rest of the flock? Man was responsible for coming up with a clergy/laity distinction. It is not a Biblical concept. (This distinction is also why certain religious leaders feel compelled to wear a special garment to make them distinct from the rest of the congregation). These practices are contrary to the word of God but are accepted by many today.

I realize the use of the titles “Pastor”, “Reverend”, “Saint”, and the like are not going away. However, we do not have to follow this unauthorized path. Instead, let us give God the glory He is due by doing only what He has authorized. If you want to discuss religious titles further, please reach out.

Chuck

In line with the first article, let’s consider a few more things to help us learn. I had mentioned about churches sending directly to the preachers they support. Paul mentioned the churches that helped him directly (II Cor. 11:8). But is this really the best way? What if you have a small country church with 15 members who are all elderly and they want to help spread the gospel. Could they not send the funds from the church to a larger church who could use that money to support preachers that they choose? No. Reason being, it is unauthorized.

Years ago when I was preaching in Canada, a government official called me inquiring about my income as a preacher. I told him that a variety of churches send money to me to preach the gospel. He then proceeded to tell me that he wants those churches to send the money to the local church I labor with, and then have the local church there support me. In that man’s eyes, this would be easier and much more simple, tax-wise. I then proceeded to tell him I couldn’t do that. After a long conversation, and a short sermon, he finally accepted what I told him.

The apostle Paul made it clear in Romans 9:20-21, that we are the clay and God is the potter and we must do what He says. It is not our place to question what we are told to do. Oh, we might ask why a certain thing is to be done such as, “Why do people need to be baptized?” That’s a good question. The answer is given, for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Yet, if someone starts to question that by saying, “Why in the world would God expect someone to be baptized in water for the remission of their sins?”, we have a serious problem.

It’s fine to ask, “What can a local church do with its funds?” It isn’t fine, once one learns the answer to the question, to turn around and question that! Remember, without respecting Biblical authority, the flood gate opens and people will do almost anything under the umbrella that it is “good work.” Even though it is not our place to question God, it is our place to question those who do question God!

Chuck 

One, the other, or both 

Some people wonder if a church should pay their preacher. Others might think that the preacher should have a secular job. Still others might think that the preacher should have both a secular job and be supported partially by the church. The scriptures have much to say about whether men should be paid to preach. As we will see, all three ways can be acceptable.

When Paul was at Corinth, he met up with a couple named Aquila and Priscilla. We are told that all three were tentmakers by trade. Thus, the apostle stayed with them and they worked together (Acts 18:1-3). There is nothing wrong with a preacher working with his hands in order to provide for his needs. It is wrong to consider someone a “lesser” preacher if he has other means to support himself.

We also find out that Paul was financially helped by the church at Philippi. They sent help to him on more than one occasion (Phil. 4:16). Beyond these brethren help, Paul was also supported by other churches for teaching the word (II Cor. 11:8). All of this reveals that a man is worthy of his hire (Luke 10:7; I Tim. 5:18). Having read these verses, let’s answer some potential questions.

Can a preacher be supported by more than one church?  Yes. Paul said that “churches” send wages to him for his work (II Cor. 11:8).

Can an evangelist preach at a local church that does not support him? Yes. Paul said he preached at Corinth for free while getting support from other places (II Cor. 11:7).                                                                             
 

Do preachers take a vow of poverty as some religious groups teach? No. The Bible does not teach this.

If a preacher is supported by a local church, does he still participate in the weekly contribution? Yes. The preacher is a Christian and responsible for obeying the commands of our Lord (II Cor. 16:1-2; II Cor. 9:7).

Can churches send money to another local church to support a preacher? No. Recall in the earlier verses that the church sent to his needs (Phil. 4:16). Churches support the man directly – they do not send their money to the church to then give to the man.

Can a local church stop supporting a preacher if he teaches error? Yes. Churches need to know who they support and what is being taught. If a church knows that the preacher is teaching error and he does not repent, they are sinning by supporting him (II John 9-10).

Who decides how much a preacher is to be paid? The Bible has no specific number. This should be a discussion between the preacher and the church(es). The preacher does not have to live below the poverty line, nor does he need to live better than the brethren. Remember, Paul spoke about churches meeting his needs (Phil. 4:16).

Beyond his regular support, should churches pay for unexpected expenses? No. When one of the members breaks a tooth or has car trouble or breaks their glasses, they do not expect the church to pay for it. They budget their income for things like this, and the preacher is no different.  Failure to provide for your own due to poor planning is wrong (I Tim. 5:8).

Should one preach because of the money? No. If someone wants to preach simply to make money, they are preaching for the wrong reason. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (I Tim. 6:10).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Chuck