Sermon Audio Archive

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

FROM: 7/14/02 Radio Program

Question:

Should pastors be paid a weekly or monthly wage?

Answer:

Before answering this question, let us understand that the term "pastor" is reserved in the Bible for those who serve as elders in a congregation. Though it is common in our society for people to refer to evangelists and preachers as "pastors," the Bible does not use the term in that way. "Pastor" is defined as a "shepherd," and it is the elders (not preachers) who are told the "shepherd the flock" (I Pet. 5:2; Acts 20:28 - NKJ). In fact, Paul made a distinction between "evangelists," "pastors," and "teachers" in Ephesians 4:11. The reason I bring this up is because I imagine our querist had preachers in mind when he/she asked the question. While there is evidence that a preacher was also an elder (I Peter 5:1), the term "pastor" is reserved for those who are elders, and not for the preacher.

Concerning the subject of whether or not such a one should be paid on a weekly or monthly basis, the Bible does not say. We know that God commanded that one who preaches the gospel should live of the gospel (I Cor. 9:14), and that some churches sent money to Paul when he was preaching in other cities (Phil. 4:15-16). Yet, there is nothing stated concerning the frequency of such wages, whether weekly, monthly, or whatever. Regardless, we know it was given with such frequency as to support this man who was preaching the gospel. I have often been paid by "outside support" on a monthly basis. Yet, it is often expedient to be paid on a weekly basis. The only Bible passage we see concerning the frequency of wages is where Christ talked about some being paid daily for their labor (Matthew 20:2).

Back to Radio Program Questions - Answers