1 Tim5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. KJV
A GOOD WELFARE PACKAGE IS BIBLICAL (c)
In previous teachings, I established from scriptures that it is biblical to support ministers welfare. It is not a practice invented by man but a command from the Lord himself. Let's examine another scripture.
The eight chapter in the book of Luke spoke about the ministry of Jesus as regards finances. One may think that being God in human flesh, he got all he needed for ministry "supernaturally".
We may be tempted to think angels supplied all his needs and brought down heavenly supplies to him per time. Have you thought like that too? Though such may have happened but it was not recorded for us to read.
God used humans to support the ministry of Christ. Man has always been God's method not angels. How did Jesus and his disciples sustain themselves financially during their earthly ministry?
Luke 8:3 says: "Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were CONTRIBUTING FROM THEIR OWN RESOURCES TO SUPPORT JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES"(NLT).
From the scripture above, Jesus Christ our Lord received continuous support from women who were blessed by his ministry. He had ministry partners. Ministering from town to town, city to city and village to village was made possible because some persons gave their support.
The women mentioned in the latter text saw it as a duty they owed Jesus. They did not support Jesus and the disciples once but we were told they did it continuously considering the continuous tense "contributing".
In fact, Jesus' ministry on earth had a purse. Judas was the treasurer (John13:29). From the records, the disciples left all to follow Jesus Christ and to be part of his ministry.
I believe some were married. We read about Peter's mother-in-law (Luke4:38-41). How would they have sustained their families working with Jesus full time If there was no support coming from the brethren?
How effective do you want your pastor to be? A man that goes hunting very early and returns late at night may not have enough time for the word and prayer.
If those who believed in the ministry of Jesus gave their support, If early believers deemed it fit to support their ministers, our generation shouldn't break that tradition.
If you're privileged to be on the board or committee of your church where ministers welfare matters will be decided, ensure you take the right decision with Christian consideration. Don't withold from your pastor what is due him.
How people feel or what they're saying in the media about preachers shouldn't blind us from doing the right thing to our ministers. There will always be phony and belly-driven ministers.
However, If your pastor/ minister is genuine and has been a tremendous blessing to you, be a blessing to him by doing the right thing henceforth.
No matter how little your gift may be. The heart of giving matters more than the size of the gift.
Father, I receive the grace to act on this message in Jesus name.