GLEANINGS FROM THE SCRIPTURES To Pay Or Not To Pay? By Keith L. Estes How much should pastors, missionaries, and others who work in churches and ministries be paid? Or should they be paid at all? Paul's example with the Corinthians offers some insight. In Paul's day, philosophers traveled from city to city, teaching publicly for a fee. The more prestigious the teacher, the larger the fee. However, Paul charged the Corinthians nothing when he came and delivered the gospel message. As a result, some were criticizing him, asserting that he must not be an authentic leader of the church if he was rendering his services for free. In reply, Paul explained himself. First, he insisted that those who labor spiritually should be supported materially by those with whom they work. He pointed to five familiar examples to support his position: Roman soldiers drew pay for their service. Vintners enjoyed the fruits of their vineyards. Shepherds received food from their flocks. The Old Testament Law affirmed the right of laborers to receive fair compensation. The Law also allowed temple priests and attendants to live off of the sacrifices that the people brought. Paul also explained that the Lord Himself allowed those who preach the gospel to make their living from that occupation. Elsewhere the apostle wrote that church elders who rule well are worthy of "double honor." The context shows that Paul had payment in mind. In short, effective vocational Christian workers should be paid fairly for their labor. Yet Paul refused payment in Corinth. Why? Because He felt that he owed it to God to communicate the gospel for free. When he considered his past and how God had saved him, the "chief of sinners," it was payment enough to be able to tell people about Jesus. Should workers in churches and ministries be paid? This passage insists that they have a right to a fair wage, and Christians today do well to pay attention to Paul’s words here in light of the many workers who are leaving the ministry because of inadequate support. On the other hand, Paul's example opens the door to an alternative-the idea of carrying out ministry for free while supporting oneself through other means. That is also a model worth considering in a day when, for a variety of reasons, an increasing number of churches and ministries are strapped for funds. Robert Raikes, a friend of Wesley's and recognized as the founder of the Sunday School, paid his teachers twenty-five cents a Sunday. Their instruction classes included reading, writing, good morals, and religion, from ten to twelve in the morning, and from two to five in the afternoon. Each of us who have the gospel message to share should remember the words of Jesus, "Freely ye have received, freely give." References: The Word In Life Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Pub, The Sunday School In Action, Benson, I Cor. 9, I Tim. 2:15, 5:17-18, Matt. 10:8. Return to Home Page Return to Current Edition Contact us