Should We Pay Pastors? Reaping & Sowing in the Dispensation of Grace (Brother Nathan Kooienga)

Summary: This sermon explores the often-sensitive topic of financially supporting pastors and church leaders. It examines biblical principles regarding paying those who labor in ministry, addressing common objections and misconceptions. The speaker emphasizes that while giving is not a requirement under grace, it is a sign of Christian maturity and valuing spiritual things over material possessions. The sermon challenges believers to consider their priorities and invest in the work of the ministry.
Chapters
Chapter 1: Introduction and Biblical Foundation
0:00 - 10:00
We examine the biblical basis for paying pastors, focusing on 1 Corinthians 9.
Chapter 2: Paul's Example and Arguments
10:00 - 20:00
We analyze Paul's personal example and his arguments for supporting ministers.
Chapter 3: The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
20:00 - 30:00
We discuss the spiritual principle of sowing and reaping in relation to supporting ministry.
Chapter 4: Conclusion and Application
30:00 - 40:00
We conclude with practical applications and a challenge to value spiritual things.
Key Points:
Paying pastors is biblically supported, but not a requirement under grace.
Paul sometimes chose to forego payment to avoid hindringing the gospel.
There's a principle of sowing and reaping in spiritual matters.
Giving demonstrates what we truly value.
Supporting ministry leaders enables them to focus on their spiritual work.
Christian maturity is reflected in generous giving to spiritual causes.
PDF Notes
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#PayingPastors
#ChurchFinances
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[@GraceLifeBible]

Summary: This sermon explores the often-sensitive topic of financially supporting pastors and church leaders. It examines biblical principles regarding paying those who labor in ministry, addressing common objections and misconceptions. The speaker emphasizes that while giving is not a requirement under grace, it is a sign of Christian maturity and valuing spiritual things over material possessions. The sermon challenges believers to consider their priorities and invest in the work of the ministry.
Chapters
Chapter 1: Introduction and Biblical Foundation
0:00 - 10:00
We examine the biblical basis for paying pastors, focusing on 1 Corinthians 9.
Chapter 2: Paul's Example and Arguments
10:00 - 20:00
We analyze Paul's personal example and his arguments for supporting ministers.
Chapter 3: The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
20:00 - 30:00
We discuss the spiritual principle of sowing and reaping in relation to supporting ministry.
Chapter 4: Conclusion and Application
30:00 - 40:00
We conclude with practical applications and a challenge to value spiritual things.
Key Points:
Paying pastors is biblically supported, but not a requirement under grace.
Paul sometimes chose to forego payment to avoid hindringing the gospel.
There's a principle of sowing and reaping in spiritual matters.
Giving demonstrates what we truly value.
Supporting ministry leaders enables them to focus on their spiritual work.
Christian maturity is reflected in generous giving to spiritual causes.

[@emerald245]

Where do we find that Paul was a bishop or a pastor? If he had been over one specific assembly, as most pastors are today, I wonder if he would never have accepted any of that "double honour" from those he ministered to?
It's interesting that different Greek words are translated "honour" in the KJB:
#5091-tim-ah'-o, a verb, which Strong's defines as: "to prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere:-honour, value.
AND, as found in 1 Timothy 5:17, #5092 tee-may', a noun, which Strong's defines as: a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valueables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself: - honour, precious, price, sum
1 Timothy 5:17
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."
Isn't "double honour"-#5092, a noun, talking about financial or physical provision, as well as perhaps honouring them with respect,(both kinds, double honour) as defined by the verb form, #5091? Considering the next verse says, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox, and the labourer is worthy of his reward.
I don't see why so many "believers" try to get around the fact God expects believers to at least help provide financially for pastors who meet those Scriptural requirements.
Thanks, Nate, for the excellent, timely lesson; it's so needed in our day.

[@natekooienga9091]

Thank you! I hope more churches take a sense of pride in taking care of their leaders who labor in the word.

[@GraceLifeBible]

Good to hear from you Emerald. Hope you are well.

[@emerald245]

@@GraceLifeBible We're doing well. Hope you & your Family are, too!

[@dalhuset]

I have no problem necessarily with a church paying a pastor, especially if he’s a good teacher and could devote more time to teaching if he doesn’t have to work a job outside of the ministry.
I find it impressive when pastors have jobs outside of the ministry and don’t take a salary from the church; “tent makers” like the apostle Paul.
Seems like most of the “tent maker” type pastors I know of who have jobs and businesses outside of the ministry are Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensational. Clearly, Paul is their pattern.

[@dalhuset]

@@UnprofitServant I agree that more time spent preparing teachings is better, but like I said, in my above post, some of the best Mid-Acts teachers and pastors I know of have jobs. One of the churches I’m thinking of releases a yearly report of their finances in full transparency, and zero money is given to anybody on staff. I think that’s amazing. It shows they are “redeeming the time” they have for the Lord’s work. Yet, I believe every congregation of believers has the right to make their own decisions regarding this issue. If they can afford to pay their pastor, all the better.