I had started this post a long time ago but still need to discuss a few things.
The more and more I study Acts in school the more I realize how different the early Church was compared to today. First off, there was no ' Pastor' but many teachers. There were deacons and elders. They didnt have Church buildings but met in eachothers house.
Now the thing that really 'stirs my spirit' is that Paul didnt want any money from the people he taught. Notice in acts 18 how he stays with priscilla and aquila who were tentmakers, and it says he worked with them-- paying his own needs, not having a salery payed by the church. Now in acts 20 he says: "33I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Paul raised his own living costs-helping the weak.
I dont understand why now we have pastors who are paid, instead of looking in the Bible and reading this, and taking it seriously. I have heard of some pastors who do their service for free.
I know I put some stuff out there, but I dont want to sound hypocritical, because I do go to a Church with a paid pastor.
thanks guys for any imput
Most Pastors are full time employees of the church. Pastors don't just preach on Sundays and Wednesdays, they visit the sick, marry and bury people.. It is a full time profession. They should be compensated just like any other vocation.
However there are some that do work other jobs and do not take money from the church. I am on the not taking money end, God has blessed me with a good business and I don't have a need to accept money for my services.
I believe that Paul did take wages from other churches but for his own reasons elected to no take wages from the church at Corinth.
2Co 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
2Co 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
But now, I think Paul speaks of his right to be supported by his ministry even tho he may decide for whatever reasons to not accept it'
One example of a preacher I know may give a reason why a preacher would not take a wage. We had a church where most of the members worked for an industry that laid off a good many of them. This preacher elected to not take a wage for a period of time and instead was favorable of those monies being used to aide in helping some of these folk along.
The words of the Lord Himself:
Luk 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
Luk 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Luk 10:3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
Luk 10:4Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. Luk 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
Luk 10:6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
Luk 10:7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire.Go not from house to house.
In my own opinion there are those that are in it for the money . . but there are also those that are not, and they work very hard tending to their people. I have seen many struggling preachers that survived on very little because folk would'nt give enough support. Many tried to work at least part time jobs but in some cases the demands of their calling made this unfeasable.
I'll tell you what . . .if I'm going to be in error, I'll err on the side of supporting the man of God.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
35 In remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Paul raised his own living costs-helping the weak.
Yep! The Salvation Army's, most favorite verse! Boom, Boom...It' better to give than receive!
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Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
Yep! The Salvation Army's, most favorite verse! Boom, Boom...It' better to give than receive!
Thanks Brother Mac as well. This time I read other replies before replying.Mac covered all the bases quite well. Reb my brother I visited a Salvation Army last week. I thought ok this wil be a very simple Methodist type I'm sure ...but I like to see first hand...well here is my report. I even got to read their 11 fundamental statements of faith. I won't come back ..WHY??
They do not beleive in ANY kind of baptism whatsoever.
and no communion whatsoever.
The interesting things. Their church leaders have military ranks and wear uniforms. The service is showing proudly their trophies they have won for their works. I ask them why no baptism and they said that was man made. I looked in their Bibles to see in Acts...the baptism stuff was not there. they use different versions to support their beliefs.
Chuck7
Early Church part II
