Who Should the Church Pay to Serve – The True Apostle

Editor’s Notes: I think this issue is especially pertinent to Western Christianity.  According to recent statistics from the Barna group, annual giving to faith-based organizations is expected to drop significantly in the next few years.  While some may attribute this solely to the economy, I think there’s a larger issue underneath — perhaps I will develop this in a later post.  Take some time to read through Neil’s thoughts and post your comments.  Who has the right to receive financial support from the Body?

Source: Cole-Slaw by Neil Cole

In 1 Corinthians 9 Paul makes a case for his right to make his living from the gospel just as the other apostles do. He even cites the Lord as the source of the directive (v. 14) perhaps a reference to his commissioning of the twelve and the seventy to take no purse with them for a laborer is worthy of his wages (Matt. 10:9-10; Luke 10:4).

Paul and Barnabas, however, forgo their right for such payment and choose rather to work to support themselves. Paul worked as a tentmaker while starting the church in Corinth at least until others arrived to help in the support so as not to be a burden to the emerging church.

Apostolos, the Greek word translated “apostle” means one sent on a mission as a representative or a special envoy. They are the ones to lay a foundation for the expanding church in every region and among every tribe and nation.

Such a role is not limited to a single church in a given region, but is commissioned to church an entire region. They are not likely to manage an existing church, but lay the foundation for others to build upon…and then are likely to go do it again somewhere else.

This role is actually defined as having a “right” to make a living from the preaching of the good news (vv. 3-9). It is important to note, however, that this right can be laid aside and surrendered for the sake of the church as Paul and Barnabas chose to do. This right should never be demanded at the detriment of the church. Have we hurt the church by making her responsible to employ her leaders like a business? I believe the answer to this question is yes, in many ways. Besides draining her of resources, perhaps the worst detriment is how we have segregated the body into a professional class that does the ministry and a nonprofessional class that works hard to pay them.

One Response to “Who Should the Church Pay to Serve – The True Apostle”

1. Matthew Berry says:

   March 13, 2009 at 9:14 pm

   Excellent post, Neil. Way to take a stab at one of the sacred cows in our religious “Matrix.”

   I agree that it may be a “right,” but is not the best option. The church has taken the concept of full-time support and made it an entitlement rather than an option that can be exercised at the discretion of Father’s leading.

   It seems like Paul’s default was to work with his own hands, not to simply rely on the support of others.

   My father-in-law is an apostle. I’ve seen him father people for many years, releasing them to function in the Body. He is someone who, I believe, views this principle as an option, but not an entitlement.