Frankly Speaking,

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.

I have become all things to all people

so that by all possible means I might save some.

I Corinthians 9:22 NIV

A Minister’s Benefits Package! ~ (Or, Quit Putting a Muzzle on that OX! 😊) Should ministers be paid? Most of us agree that the work ministers do requires some form of compensation. After all, most ministers have spent years of their lives preparing and training to effectively do the work of the ministry. 😊 They feed, encourage, & lead our families.

Now, “How much should a minister be paid?” is very important question. After all, we have seen ministers with jet planes, golden faucets in the bathroom, and huge houses. For every one of these people who have abused the office or title, there are many ministry families genuinely struggling to merely survive without going bankrupt.  The question ought to be, “What can we do to provide for the families of each member of our ministry team?” The question ought never be “How little can we pay them?”

What is our church budget? What is the economy like where the church is located? Many pastors and other staff members serve small churches.  Obviously, the annual budget determines how well a church can support a pastor and whether each minister is full-time or part-time.  One thing you may not realize is that pastors have no Social Security, no retirement, no dental plan, no healthcare coverage, and no life insurance. Most of our employers pay half of our Social Security and Medicare benefits before we ever see our pay checks. Many ministers retire with no plan. ☹

While this may be uncomfortable for some to think about, church leadership must wrestle with this to best support those called by God to lead the church. Dr. John Piper shares insights regrading ministerial compensation.

God shares His plan in I Corinthians 9:1-27. Let’s follow Him.😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15