Here and where I used to fellowship in Pittsburgh the Pastors were not caught up in materialism; but many in the congregations were affluent. As a rule we should first look at any Pastors who are obviously excessive in their own lives with fancy cars; lavish homes; etc. This is usually limited to those Megachurch or Televangelist enterprises; where excess is lauded because everyone wants to find the path glittered with gold (sometimes literally ignoring the stuff blown surreptitiously through ventilation systems).
I don't think we can dogmatically say a Pastor has to work to support himself in a secular position; but some whose ministries are struggling could look at that as a way for ministry and work part time if needed. Paul certainly worked as a tentmaker and with all the work he did establishing churches as an Apostle he certainly could and probably should have been less burdened but he did this not to burden others to set an example. Certainly others in leadership could work as well; in the case of Jesus and the Disciples with Christ physically on earth and daily miracles it was a unique time of harvest. It is certainly possible Christ had some savings for himself after working until 30 even without having a place to lay his head during his traveling ministry; although I can't prove it-maybe the same could be said for the Disciples for a time. At any rate women would help to assist in such matters (and Judas helped himself; sadly).
A congregation has to give with a cheerful heart tithes and offeriengs. They also need to examine if they are using their time and resources as God intends; if God wants them to work more or less to support the Body of Christ in that local church. The more we fellowship and share things (in today's world having someone over for lunch; helping them to move or assisting with a brother in financial need) are all things I have done and seen personally. What we have is God's and for Him
Thank you bro. Richard for all that you have presented, specifically focussing on the conduct & ministry of Christ's Church. I've appreciated following your thoughts, even as you have personally seen & experienced much of what you have addressed. Whenever I consider the formation of the NT Church & to what I see today functioning as Christ's Body, I see how far we have drifted from the simple & essential. Not saying that there should not be differences at all, as many factors would contribute to the difference between the 1st century Church to the 21st century, including congregation numbers, different types of pressure faced, government requirements, etc. So, differences there will be, but when we depart from the essentials & the simplicity in Christian living & gathering together, then difficulties arise & the further away we drift from God's Plan.
To this end, in the matter of Church leadership, as you've shared: even though I don't particularly see any one Church gathering as perfectly conforming to the Lord's pattern of leadership, behavior, and belief; in my association with various groups, I've found that the 'open' Brethren Assemblies seem to follow most closely to the above. I don't attend one because of distance & probably my wife wouldn't join me anyway, but in their meetings, I usually sense how the early Church would have been organized & behaved. They don't have pastors, only elders & deacons (the elders fulfilling pastoral duties, with the care of the believers, home visitiation, counselling, etc.). Music is limited to a piano or organ, the congregation, as led by the Spirit, can share a Scripture, a Word, a testimony for edification to all, and a Bible message from an Elder. No salaries are given (the elders need to be working men), all other service (for maintenance of Church or grounds) is voluntary, as believers are able or qualified; and the only expense is toward payment of taxes & dues, as well as missionary support. Thanks again.
Here and where I used to fellowship in Pittsburgh the Pastors were not caught up in materialism; but many in the congregations were affluent. As a rule we should first look at any Pastors who are obviously excessive in their own lives with fancy cars; lavish homes; etc. This is usually limited to those Megachurch or Televangelist enterprises; where excess is lauded because everyone wants to find the path glittered with gold (sometimes literally ignoring the stuff blown surreptitiously through ventilation systems).
I don't think we can dogmatically say a Pastor has to work to support himself in a secular position; but some whose ministries are struggling could look at that as a way for ministry and work part time if needed. Paul certainly worked as a tentmaker and with all the work he did establishing churches as an Apostle he certainly could and probably should have been less burdened but he did this not to burden others to set an example. Certainly others in leadership could work as well; in the case of Jesus and the Disciples with Christ physically on earth and daily miracles it was a unique time of harvest. It is certainly possible Christ had some savings for himself after working until 30 even without having a place to lay his head during his traveling ministry; although I can't prove it-maybe the same could be said for the Disciples for a time. At any rate women would help to assist in such matters (and Judas helped himself; sadly).
A congregation has to give with a cheerful heart tithes and offeriengs. They also need to examine if they are using their time and resources as God intends; if God wants them to work more or less to support the Body of Christ in that local church. The more we fellowship and share things (in today's world having someone over for lunch; helping them to move or assisting with a brother in financial need) are all things I have done and seen personally. What we have is God's and for Him
To this end, in the matter of Church leadership, as you've shared: even though I don't particularly see any one Church gathering as perfectly conforming to the Lord's pattern of leadership, behavior, and belief; in my association with various groups, I've found that the 'open' Brethren Assemblies seem to follow most closely to the above. I don't attend one because of distance & probably my wife wouldn't join me anyway, but in their meetings, I usually sense how the early Church would have been organized & behaved. They don't have pastors, only elders & deacons (the elders fulfilling pastoral duties, with the care of the believers, home visitiation, counselling, etc.). Music is limited to a piano or organ, the congregation, as led by the Spirit, can share a Scripture, a Word, a testimony for edification to all, and a Bible message from an Elder. No salaries are given (the elders need to be working men), all other service (for maintenance of Church or grounds) is voluntary, as believers are able or qualified; and the only expense is toward payment of taxes & dues, as well as missionary support. Thanks again.
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