Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Hired

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In the context of Christian ministry, the concept of a "hired" minister often refers to individuals who are compensated for their service in the church. This topic can be explored through various biblical passages and principles that address the role, responsibilities, and remuneration of those who serve in ministry.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides guidance on the support and remuneration of those who labor in the ministry. In 1 Corinthians 9:14 , the Apostle Paul states, "In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel." This passage underscores the principle that those who dedicate their lives to preaching and teaching the Word are entitled to financial support from the community they serve.

Similarly, in 1 Timothy 5:17-18 , Paul writes, "Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and, 'The worker is worthy of his wages.'" Here, Paul emphasizes the value of compensating church leaders, particularly those who are diligent in their teaching and leadership roles.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of a hired minister encompasses various responsibilities, including preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and administration. Ephesians 4:11-12 outlines the purpose of such roles: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." This passage highlights the minister's duty to equip and edify the church community.

The responsibilities of a minister are further elaborated in 2 Timothy 4:2 , where Paul instructs Timothy, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction." This charge underscores the minister's role in faithfully proclaiming the gospel and providing spiritual guidance.

Challenges and Considerations

While the concept of a hired minister is biblically supported, it also presents challenges and considerations. One potential issue is the perception of ministry as merely a profession rather than a calling. In John 10:12-13 , Jesus contrasts the good shepherd with the hired hand: "The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock." This passage warns against those who serve only for personal gain rather than genuine care for the flock.

Additionally, the financial aspect of hiring ministers can lead to tensions within the church community. It is crucial for churches to approach this matter with prayerful consideration, ensuring that compensation is fair and reflective of the minister's dedication and service.

Conclusion

The concept of a hired minister is deeply rooted in biblical teaching, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who labor in the ministry. While challenges exist, the biblical model provides a framework for understanding the role and responsibilities of ministers, ensuring that they are equipped to serve the body of Christ effectively.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 18:4
And he said to them, Thus and thus deals Micah with me, and has hired me, and I am his priest.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Directions to Awakened Sinners.
... Cordial friendship needs not to be hired to perform its ... most honorable manner, not
only to the Christian character in general, but to that of a minister and an ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse ix directions to awakened.htm

The Prodigal and his Brother.
... of a slave: "I am no more worthy to be called thy son, make me as one of thy hired
servants." Any ... That is not the weapon which a Christian minister loves to use ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xx the prodigal and his.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ...
... Mr. Williamson hired a room for preaching, and has continued his labors with ... sadness,"
and a due mixture of the gravity of the Christian minister with the ...
/.../chapter 14 from the close.htm

The Ministry.
... Then said Christian to his fellow, "Now do I see myself in an error ... THE MINISTER
AT THE DAY OF JUDGMENT ... How many the Pharisees that hired the soldiers to say the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxii the ministry.htm

The Next Morning Dawned with all the Strange Half Mystical Glow of ...
The Master-Christian. ... The beggar may have the same thought as the Prime
Minister,"he only ... Miraudin had hired a common fiacre to escape in from the city, ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxiv the next morning dawned.htm

Answers to Prayer
... The little boy grew up to be a Christian minister, and, about a year ... A MINISTER'S
SUPPLIES FALL SHORT ... said, "Mrs. X"", I left the room which I hired of you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

The Apostle Paul.
... and was told that he would become a minister of Christ. ... that time Paul preached and
taught the Christian religion, and ... living in a house which he hired, and he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/the apostle paul.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... discouraging circumstances, to a few in a room which was hired for that ... of friends,
who esteemed him highly as a brother, and as an amiable Christian minister. ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

The Second Continental Journey.
... season not permitting them to travel, they hired a lodging ... several of them well known
in the Christian world; such ... minister of the New Church, John Yeardley says ...
/.../chapter ix the second continental.htm

Conversion
... Minister of the gospel, if you on earth are privileged to win ... Poor backslider, thou
wast once a Christian. ... ask him to make him one of his hired servants, but ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/conversion.htm