Results 1 - 6 of 6
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Church staff's salary questionable | 1 Tim 3:7 | Bereaniam | 169789 | ||
I attend a congregation where it appears to be "family-owned", i.e.,it was started by the current pastor, his wife, the pastor's mom, dad, sisters, brother-in-law, his wife's mom, dad, sisters, etc. The congregation has grown to about 1500 (1 church, 3 locations). We had a split when the associate pastor was "pushed out" to make room for their son and son-in-law to be associate pastors. All of the above named people are paid staff including their 2 daughters, their son's father and mother-in-laws, and cousin, and the cousin's wife. Anyone who has exhibited the slightest bit of "doubt" about our pastor becomes "ostracized". Do you believe the congregation has a right to know "who is paid staff and how much each person earns"? They all live very well...pastors buy new expensive cars, trucks every two years, they have a beautiful home, horses, cattle, etc. now...but just announced they are about to buy another home. They do preach the "prosperity message, name-it-claim-it". Would you ask for monetary accountability? Would you leave this kind of congregation..or just pray for them and leave it in God's hands? Thanks for your input. Bereaniam |
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2 | Church staff's salary questionable | 1 Tim 3:7 | BradK | 169790 | ||
Hi Bereaniam, In short, your church sounds like a very legalistic, controlling place with little or no accountability. Since you asked, I personally would not attend there and would look for a more scripturally balanced fellowship. The Pastor/Church are not your boss or mother!Living like you say they do, I'd expect them to be above-board and forthright (accountable) in their finances! I'd say the strong indication is that they are not by their controlling behavior. It sounds more like a very profitable business venture to me! Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |
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3 | Church staff's salary questionable | 1 Tim 3:7 | rockfordhx | 169791 | ||
Bereaniam, Thank you for posting this. It is encouraging to see believers thinking about the word of God, and questioning if the church they attend is a NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH. From what you have described above, I have to agree with BradK. The church sounds more like a business venture than a place where the word of God is taught. No where in the word of God do we see full time servants of Christ being PAID a salary. If we look at the life of Paul we see that he was devoted fully to the minisrty and yet made tents in order to support himself. I personally know ELDERS (Deacons) that do work a full time job in order to provide for a family and do not receive any money from the church for what they do. OUR SPIRITAUL GIFTS SHOULD NOT BE USED TO PROFIT OUTSELVES BUT INSTEAD TO HONOR THE LORD. hope this helps. In Christ, Nathan |
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4 | Church staff's salary questionable | 1 Tim 3:7 | Morant61 | 169792 | ||
Greetings Nathan! You wrote: "No where in the word of God do we see full time servants of Christ being PAID a salary." But, 1 Cor. 9:13-14 says, "Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. " If 'receiving a living from the gospel' doesn't refer to a salary, to what does it refer? Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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5 | Church staff's salary questionable | 1 Tim 3:7 | rockfordhx | 169808 | ||
1 COR 9:13 is speaking of the TEMPLE and definitely not of the church. In the NT out bodies are the temple of the living GOD. 1 COR 9:14 I believe that the Authorized version is more clear here. "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel" May I suggest here that living "of the gospel" would be living by faith. I find that guaranteeing someone a SALARY would not be living by faith. Those of us who are saved are all disciples of Jesus Christ. I like what Jesus tells his disciples to do when he sends them out in Matthew chapter 10. " 5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. 11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. 12 And when ye come into an house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. " I am not suggesting that we are not to support those in full time ministry but rather that we are to be living by faith. The disciples moved from house to house and were given shelter, food, and drink by those they stayed with. Thank you for the welcome :) |
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6 | Church staff's salary questionable | 1 Tim 3:7 | justme | 169831 | ||
rockfordhx: Welcome to the Forum! After reading your note I can see you are a man of unique faith. I respect your view, but don't agree. However this is not a issue to debate, it is an inhouse disagreement. I was a Bivocational pastor in three Churches, and fulltime pastor at one. I think a bivocational pastor can better have less concern about being terminated, because his family will still be taken care of. Many full time pastors are subject to over pleasing those who give mostto protect their income. Blessings. Justme |
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