JUN 1

1 Corinthians 9:14
Memorise 1 Corinthians 9:14
“They which preach the gospel should live of the gospel”

HOW WERE THE BP PASTORS SUPPORTED?

Would you like to be a pastor? Some people think that pastors have easy lives! Isn’t it very easy just to go up to the pulpit and preach a 45-minute sermon once a week? What does the pastor do the rest of the week, while the adult members are busy working in their secular jobs and the younger members are busy studying?

I just came across a question posed by a Christian – “why do churches pay preachers to preach or pastor a church? Why does a pastor even take money to preach?”

How would you answer this question? How about this answer? -- “Spiritual leaders can best serve when they are fully dedicated to the work of the Lord—to the study and teaching of God’s Word and ministering to the needs of the body of Christ. If a minister has to work a job to provide for his family, then he will be distracted from ministry and forced to divide his priorities, leaving less time to adequately shepherd his flock”.

This is not only common sense, but also supported by the Bible. The verse today (1 Corinthians 9:14) says, “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel”. Read also 1 Corinthians 9:9 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18. In the Old Testament, the Levites and the priests were similarly supported financially by members of other tribes.

Would you like to be a pastor? I’ve asked myself this question, and my answer is no! – unless I’m sure that God has called me! I know what great responsibilities are expected from pastors! A good pastor, as a good shepherd, has the great responsibility of the spiritual health of the church and all her members upon him – just like the apostle Paul (“Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches” – 2 Corinthians 11:28) – teaching them, caring for them, praying for them!

Dear Teen, do we have such a pastor in our church? If so, does he deserve our support (both emotional and physical/financial)?

Thought: A true shepherd is one because “the love of Christ constraineth me” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
Prayer: Pray for the Pastor.