What Christians Owe Their Pastors
This article was first published in the Baptist Bulletin (September/October 2008) and appears here unedited. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Years ago a minister was called “the parson,” meaning “the person.” He was a VIP. He was honored as the preacher of the gospel, a molder of public opinion, and the conscience of the community. Not so today. A recently published survey revealed the most respected people in the average American community. Ministers ranked far down on the list, behind doctors, judges, psychologists, civic leaders, and police officers. Why?
No doubt the widespread sexual and financial scandals among members of the clergy have seriously affected the public opinion of them. Unfortunately, many pastors are mere puppets, moved by the whims of their parishioners. Some are controlled by a few strong laypeople, and others are “religious politicians” instead of prophets of God. Fortunate is the congregation whose pastor speaks “the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11, NIV) and diligently leads the church.
We believe that the Bible words “elder” and “bishop” refer to and include the pastor (or pastors) of a local church. Each of these titles reveals a facet of his divine calling. As an elder, he is to provide mature, responsible leadership. As the bishop, he is to be the general manager, providing careful oversight of the Lord’s work. And as the pastor, he is charged with caring for and feeding the flock of God (Acts 20:28).
Such divinely commissioned leaders are important individuals in God’s sight—and should be in the eyes of every Christian as well. Our Lord places great importance upon the pastor-parishioner relationship. In fact, He expects every believer to voluntarily be under the leadership and teaching of a godly pastor. The Bible allows no exceptions.
Recently a pastor introduced some new members at the close of a morning service by saying, “We welcome you to all the privileges and responsibilities of church membership.” Responsibilities? What did he mean? While the pastor did not explain, the Bible does. According to the Word of God, every Christian is under divine obligation in at least three areas: intercession, remuneration, and submission.
Intercession
Paul wrote, “Brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). He also commended the believers in Corinth for helping him through their prayers (2 Corinthians 1:11). And the writer of Hebrews exhorted Christians everywhere to “remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct” (13:7). Every pastor therefore needs, covets, and deserves the prayers of his people. Unfortunately, it is much easier to criticize a minister than it is to intercede for him. In fact, many preachers experience more trouble from within the body than from without.
During a pastor’s first year, he and the church experience a period of unusual harmony, a honeymoon of sorts. The congregation laughs at his jokes and comments happily about his personal mannerisms. They appreciate their pastor’s different kind of sermons, and they usually pray for him.
By the second year, some of his personality traits start to bug at least some members of the congregation. By then they have discovered that this man is not the wonder worker they thought him to be. Members no longer invite their friends to “hear our preacher.” The critical period of any pastorate is apt to occur during this year, especially if the new pastor has followed a minister of long-standing. In just this short time, it has become easier to criticize the pastor than to pray for him.
During the third year, some members actually despise their pastor. Whisper campaigns might begin, and sometimes petitions are circulated requesting his resignation. The only intercession for the pastor is the secret “prayer meetings” called to “pray over the problem.” This is one of the primary reasons the average ministerial tenure in America is three years or less.
We need to ask ourselves, “Have I really supported my pastor in prayer?” Jonathan Edwards once said, “If some Christians that have been complaining of their ministers had said and acted less before man and had applied themselves with all their might to cry to God for their ministers—had, as it were, risen and stormed heaven with their humble, fervent, and incessant prayers for them—they would have been much more in the way of success.” If you really want to fire your pastor, then intercede for him. You owe it to him.
Remuneration
Old Testament Israelites supported their priests in grand style through their tithes. So it should not surprise us that New Testament believers are reminded that the “Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14). Paul commanded, “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain, and, The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Timothy 5:17, 18). Believer’s Bible Commentary (MacDonald and Farstad) states that the word “double honor” means “worthy of respect because of his work, but also, if his time is devoted to this work fully, he is also worthy of financial help.”
Why shouldn’t ministers have an adequate salary? Yet consistently today, pastors are often in the lower income bracket, and some are scarcely getting by.
One of the problems, particularly in smaller churches, is that many individuals in leadership have little or no experience in management. They are usually on the receiving end themselves; therefore, they cannot understand why pastors need automobile and housing allowances, a retirement program, and medical and dental insurance. Yet most employees today receive all of these benefits, plus automatic raises and cost of living increases (often under union pressure), but not the pastor.
In addition, there is no monetary incentive program for ministers, as there is for others in managerial positions or for salespeople. One pastor remarked, “The less I do, the more I make!” meaning that the fewer miles he drives on visitation calls and the fewer times he takes a salvation or membership prospect out to lunch, the more money he has for himself and his family. This is unfortunate, but so often true. I assure you, your pastor will be free to do a better job if he is cared for financially. Your church will prosper, and your pastor will be thankful. You owe it to him.
Submission
In these days when liberty and freedom are distorted concepts, it is imperative that we get back to the Bible, which flatly states, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive” (Hebrews 13:17). It is abundantly clear that in the formative days of the church, there were two primary divisions among God’s people: namely, those who led and those who were led. These same classifications are binding upon Christians throughout this age.
We recognize that all believers are “priests unto God” (Revelation 1:6, KJV) and that all share the same standing and privileges before the Lord. Yet a chain of command has been divinely established for the local church. It is absolutely essential for the proper functioning and well-being of the body. Therefore, believers must be loyal and must show respect for the men who have received their pastoral calling from Christ Himself (see Ephesians 4:11-12). To ignore or rebel against the concept of pastoral leadership is to despise the One Who appointed them.
The obedience demanded in Hebrews 13:17 refers first to the pastor’s teaching ministry. Kenneth Wuest translated this command as “yield yourself trustingly to their teaching.” To submit to a pastor’s faithful exposition and application of the Word is to obey God. However, the words “obey” and “submit” are not restricted in application to his preaching alone. God expects believers to respond to the pastor’s shepherding of the flock as well. Christians are to respect and respond to the wise leadership of their ministers as they would to the Lord Himself. Jesus said, “He who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me” (John 13:20). The apostle Paul exhorted the Corinthian believers to “imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
However, a word of caution is necessary. A believer is under no obligation to obey the pastor’s teaching if it is obviously at variance with the Bible. Nor is a believer required to submit to any decision or counsel that clearly dishonors the Lord or disobedient to His Word. Every pastor should therefore encourage his people to “test all things” and to “hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Paul commended the Berean believers for doing those very things with his teaching (Acts 17:11).
But for a person to withhold this Biblical allegiance to God’s man and to speak contemptuously against the pastor’s position of leadership is to despise a divine institution, because the appointment of a pastor is as much God’s doing as the appointment of the church itself. Instead, prompted by love, believers are to submit with the goal of honoring those to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7).
Pastors have a sobering, serious position under God. According to Hebrews 13:17, they are to “watch out for [believers’] souls.” This should be motive enough for any spiritually minded Christian to gladly respond to the Lord’s appointed leaders. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:12 and 13, believers are to “recognize those who labor among [them], and are over [them] in the Lord and who admonish [them], and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.”
A second motive for believers’ correct response to leadership is that they will give an account to the Lord. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, pastors, or “God’s stewards” (Titus 1:7), will give a personal accounting of their ministry of teaching and leading (2 Corinthians 5:10). Diligent Christians can immensely help their ministers by cheerfully cooperating with them as they endeavor to follow “the Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4).
Finally, Christians ought to gladly respond to godly leadership, because pastors will want to report “with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17). God is highly displeased with insubordinate Christians; and they, too, will appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ, to “receive the things done in the body, according to what [they have] done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). A godly, submissive spirit now will bring great reward in the future.
If your pastor is a God-called leader and is diligent in his work for the Lord, you owe him your constant prayers, your continued support, and your Christlike submission. To do less is to disobey God.
(Coming soon: What Pastors Owe Their Churches)
Roy E. Knuteson (PhD, California Graduate School of Theology) is a retired pastor who attends Calvary Baptist Church, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
- 13 views
[Paul J. Scharf] Quite frankly, this is not something I have given lots of thought too, but I do not see your argument as being very strong Biblically. I must confess that I have an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach when I hear the concept of paying the pastor based on the number of kids he has — unless you have something stronger than I Cor. 9.You may be right. However, I presented Scripture (is that not strong Biblically 8~)) where Paul addresses at least part of the family when considering compensation, and I don’t recall you presenting any Scripture. Instead of reacting by the uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach, go back to the text since it is the authority (don’t listen to what I say…I’m not the authority either). Why would Paul address the spouse if she wasn’t to be considered?
BTW, I’m not suggesting saying “for every kid you have, we will increase your salary by $10,000.” That’s not what Paul said in I Corinthians 9 either, but isn’t he addressing needs? Are the needs not greater with a larger family? How does this not mesh with I Cor. 9 and I Timothy 5?
Thanks,
Ricky
The Biblical principles for pastoral compensation are found in 1 Timothy 5:17-18: 1) he is to be considered worthy of “double honor” (read “paid well in relation to his ministry context”); 2) he is to be paid by those he serves; and 3) he is to be considered worthy of every penny because that local church is his arena of labor. The same epistle that includes these principles anticipates the probability that a pastor will have a wife (3:2) and children (3:4). If a church consistently follows these principles and pays the pastor accordingly, there will be adequate margin in his income for dealing with the vicissitudes of life. Some weeks he’ll have more than enough to cover needs & he can sock some cash away. Other weeks a car breakdown will eat up that surplus and more. Some years will require extreme penny pinching…other years the pastor & his family can enjoy some special treats. When the kids are at home and in college, the family may be squeezed very tightly. Later years, the pastor and his wife can enjoy extras denied in the lean years. But throughout, the church’s guiding principles have primarily been 1 Tim. 5:17-18, not “how have the pastor’s needs changed?”
[BryanBice] It may be helpful to remember that Paul had an apostolic ministry, not a strictly pastoral one. Yes, I realize he remained in one place sometimes for over a year. But generally, Paul’s was an itinerant ministry, whereas the pastor’s is fixed. Perhaps a more appropriate analogy, therefore, would be to compare Paul’s discussion re. deserved compensation in 1 Cor. 9 with the compensation due an “evangelist” or itinerant Bible teacher who comes to your church for a week(end)…The Biblical principles for pastoral compensation are found in 1 Timothy 5:17-18You cannot limit pastoral compensation to I Timothy alone. If you look further in I Corinthians 9 (verses 13 and 14) Paul tells who this passage applies to: “13Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” So he is not applying it only to those with itinerant ministry. He is applying it to those that proclaim the gospel. Is this not a pastor as well?
[RickyHorton]Think of 1 Cor. 9:14 as being a big umbrella that covers “all who proclaim the gospel”: itinerant Bible teachers…evangelists…missionaries…pastors…. The very general principle for all these “proclaimers” is that they are to “live of the gospel.” In 1 Timothy, Paul clearly has pastors in mind—one segment of all those under the umbrella—and he’s simply clarifying the approach churches need to take in providing a “living by the gospel” compensation package for their pastor. Since he specifically applies these principles to “elders” in the congregation, it would be inappropriate to apply them to the Bible conference speaker you have in next month for a 3-day conference. The net effect of the 1 Timothy principles is that the churches are not to pay the pastor on a simple “need” basis, but on a much more generous “worth” basis. In contrast, the primary requirement in compensating the itinerant is to make sure his basic needs are cared for—and those needs will vary based on mouths to feed, travel expenses, etc. Incidentally, if for some reason a particular pastor’s “need” is greater than his “worth,” well, he’s got a real problem that he should not expect his church to solve for him.[BryanBice] It may be helpful to remember that Paul had an apostolic ministry, not a strictly pastoral one. Yes, I realize he remained in one place sometimes for over a year. But generally, Paul’s was an itinerant ministry, whereas the pastor’s is fixed. Perhaps a more appropriate analogy, therefore, would be to compare Paul’s discussion re. deserved compensation in 1 Cor. 9 with the compensation due an “evangelist” or itinerant Bible teacher who comes to your church for a week(end)…The Biblical principles for pastoral compensation are found in 1 Timothy 5:17-18You cannot limit pastoral compensation to I Timothy alone. If you look further in I Corinthians 9 (verses 13 and 14) Paul tells who this passage applies to: “13Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” So he is not applying it only to those with itinerant ministry. He is applying it to those that proclaim the gospel. Is this not a pastor as well?
[BryanBice] Think of 1 Cor. 9:14 as being a big umbrella that covers “all who proclaim the gospel”: itinerant Bible teachers…evangelists…missionaries…pastors…. The very general principle for all these “proclaimers” is that they are to “live of the gospel.”
Wow!! I have got some big checks coming!! Where do I send the bill??? :D :D :D :D :D
Church Ministries Representative, serving in the Midwest, for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry
[REShanks] A church ought to determine what a professional with equivalent education and responsibility makes in its area of the country. If a church did that, there would be no argument over income because most godly frugal families could live WELL within THAT salary no matter how many kids they had.I’ve always been skeptical when I hear this. I think it’s an urban legend amongst fundamental circles. How does one know what the average salaries of their members?
One church I heard of averaged the salaries of all its members and then doubled it—that was the pastor’s salary (“double honor”). They said it worked out well, because of retired individuals, college students, etc. in the mix so the pastor’s salary wasn’t as high as one might think. They found that this made sure the pastor was more than compensated for and also noted that their godly leaders used the finances and freedom it brought to minister to greater degrees in the church—actually investing much back into the ministry..
[Barry L.]I checked it out on Snopes, & it’s indeed true (OK, kidding on that one)…but church finance committees can figure out the average salaries of their members, and it’s not that difficult. Periodically (every 5 years or so?), the finance committee creates an anonymous survey to be completed by each household or “family unit”—whether the unit is a single young adult, widow, family of 8, etc. The survey can ask for gross pay, benefits, etc. The crucial key is that it comes from the finance committee (or deacons) and people are asked to complete it to help ensure that the pastor is being compensated fairly. Yeah, there’s always the likelihood that a couple of the cantankerous sort will refuse to complete the survey, but that’s OK—it’s to be expected that you not get a 100% return rate on a survey anyway. From there, the average is easy to determine, which then becomes an objective starting point for determining the pastor’s compensation package. Incidentally, an added side benefit to this survey is that the leadership can get some insight into the general financial “stewardship health” of the congregation. :)[REShanks] A church ought to determine what a professional with equivalent education and responsibility makes in its area of the country. If a church did that, there would be no argument over income because most godly frugal families could live WELL within THAT salary no matter how many kids they had.I’ve always been skeptical when I hear this. I think it’s an urban legend amongst fundamental circles. How does one know what the average salaries of their members?
One church I heard of averaged the salaries of all its members and then doubled it—that was the pastor’s salary (“double honor”). They said it worked out well, because of retired individuals, college students, etc. in the mix so the pastor’s salary wasn’t as high as one might think. They found that this made sure the pastor was more than compensated for and also noted that their godly leaders used the finances and freedom it brought to minister to greater degrees in the church—actually investing much back into the ministry..
Maybe I’m naive, but I don’t know a church that would do that. Do you know of any specifically?
[Barry L.] Maybe I’m naive, but I don’t know a church that would do that. Do you know of any specifically?Yes…two churches I’ve pastored have done that.
Discussion