PASTORS , MISSIONARIES NOT EXEMPTED FROM SECULAR JOBS AND BUSINESSES

 


By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi

  "Elders who do their work well should be   respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”1 Timothy 5:17‭-‬18 NLTBible

  Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings."1 Corinthians 9:13 NLTBible 

   The work of building a soul by a preacher involves giving up time , energy , finances , relationships that can never be gotten back . 

Some preachers have paid the ultimate price while doing the work of ministry.  Jesus Christ said to serve you must first lose very important things .  “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News,"Mark 10:29 NLTBible 

     A preacher shares the gospel and his life . The scriptures says the preacher is entitled to benefits from parishioners however he or she can chose to enjoy the benefits or refuse it to avoid being a liability to the congregation . Apostle Paul did not want to be a burden to the Corinthian church   "And when I was with you and didn’t have enough to live on, I did not become a financial burden to anyone. For the brothers who came from Macedonia brought me all that I needed. I have never been a burden to you, and I never will be." 2 Corinthians 11:9 NLTBible  The Corinthian church was not a friendly church and it was improper for Paul to be a liability to them. The Macedonian church was more friendly so was the Phillipian church to whom Paul revealed that there was a reward for supporting missionaries (Phi 4:17-19). A pastor is obligated to a church member as much as they are obligated to his ministry. Do not expect much from a ministry or minister you deliberately neglect . In the same measure we sow we shall reap. 

   The work of the missionary is preaching the Gospel and are considered as reapers in God's harvest thus worthy of their wages. 

 ' The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! "John 4:36 NLTBible and "  In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it."1 Corinthians 9:14 NLTBible. 

   Christian workers with jobs are expected to help the Lord's workers . The Bible says  "Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them".Galatians 6:6 NLT and " Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?" 1 Corinthians 9:11 NLT 

 Jesus Christ was supported financially by influential persons such as Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward and instructed his disciples "Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay."Luke 10:7 NLTBible 

   To avoid being ridiculed preachers sometimes work and engage themselves in businesses. Apostle Paul who wrote over fifty percent of the new testament books was a tentmaker ( Act18:1-3) Jesus was a carpenter ( Mark6:3) Prophet Daniel a politician, So was Prophet Joseph . Luke was a doctor . These preachers made sure their jobs or businesses did not interfere with their assignment to preach the gospel . This requires proper time management and discipline ( 2Tim 2:4) 

Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power for productive living and a contributor to the spread of the gospel in Jesus name. 

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 e-mail michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

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