[Biblestudent]

Originally Posted by greenbear

Hi, Biblestudent.

Of course you are absolutely correct. I'll add:

1 Timothy 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

As you may have gathered, I am of the belief that the "Christian" churches are apostatized to a great degree. I believe that when a church gets to be a certain size, they have a large property with the incumbent expenses, they are beholden to a church board for their salary, etc. so "pastor(s)" can be swayed by interests within the church who want to control what is preached and taught. On a large denominational basis this problem is amplified. We are not in the same circumstance as was the early church in Paul's time. Denomination after denomination has fallen into apostasy. This is a personal conviction and I understand not everyone would hold this view. It is by no means wrong for a church body to pay the salaries of the elders. I just think there are certain benefits to having lay elders. If that makes me a carnal christian, so be it! Of course, christians aren't going to reorganize their church structures to suit me. Your english is so perfect I have assumed you must be an American missionary pastoring a church in the Philippines. I pray that God blesses your ministry.

Thanks, for clarifying that. Now I understand where you're coming from. But I guarantee you, my church was trying to raise an amount for the pastor's "salary" (following 1 Corinthians 9); but we decided to divide that into small "gifts" for me, for our youth pastor, for two Sunday school teachers, and one custodian/janitor who are working and/or volunteering "full time". We are of the type where the pastors can clean the church and custodians can preach and teach, but all go out soulwinning every week.

The case you mentioned is familiar to me, as there are those big denominations and conventions here; but real preachers are out there with little or zero support from the very church they pastor. Of course, they have to drive trisikad, trycycle, or taxi for their family's survival. I just thank the Lord that I don't have to do that, but churches with real preachers here need to learn to support God's servants.

(By the way, I'm Filipino. Thanks for the comment. I attribute that to our school: http://www.calvary-oton.org/ACADEMY.html )