Topical Bible: Ministers: should Preach without Charge, If Possible

◄ Ministers: should Preach without Charge, If Possible ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of ministers preaching without charge is rooted in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul provides guidance on the financial aspects of ministry. This principle is primarily derived from Paul's own practice and teachings, emphasizing the importance of spreading the Gospel without placing a financial burden on the recipients.

Biblical Foundation

1. Paul's Example: The Apostle Paul is a primary example of a minister who often chose to preach without charge. In 1 Corinthians 9:18 , Paul states, "What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it." Paul emphasizes his commitment to offering the Gospel freely, even though he had the right to receive support.

2. Voluntary Sacrifice: In 2 Corinthians 11:7 , Paul further explains his approach: "Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?" Here, Paul highlights his willingness to forgo financial support to avoid hindering the message of Christ.

3. Support from Other Churches: While Paul often preached without charge, he did receive support from other churches. In Philippians 4:15-16 , he acknowledges the financial assistance from the church in Philippi: "Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need."

Theological Implications

1. Avoiding Hindrances: Preaching without charge can remove potential obstacles to the Gospel. By not requiring financial compensation, ministers can demonstrate the selfless nature of Christ's message and ensure that the focus remains on spiritual, rather than material, concerns.

2. Encouraging Generosity: While ministers may choose to preach without charge, the broader Christian community is encouraged to support those who dedicate their lives to ministry. Galatians 6:6 states, "Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor." This balance allows for the sustenance of ministers while maintaining the integrity of the Gospel message.

3. Freedom in Ministry: By not being financially dependent on a specific congregation, ministers may experience greater freedom in their ministry. This independence can allow them to speak more boldly and address issues without fear of financial repercussions.

Practical Considerations

1. Bivocational Ministry: Some ministers may choose to support themselves through secular work, as Paul did through tentmaking (Acts 18:3). This approach can enable them to preach without charge while maintaining financial stability.

2. Church Support: Churches are encouraged to support their ministers, recognizing the value of their spiritual leadership. This support can come in various forms, including financial compensation, housing, and other resources.

3. Cultural Context: The feasibility of preaching without charge may vary based on cultural and economic contexts. In some regions, it may be more practical for ministers to receive financial support, while in others, a bivocational approach may be more suitable.

In summary, while the New Testament provides a model for preaching without charge, it also acknowledges the practical need for ministerial support. The balance between these principles allows for the effective spread of the Gospel while honoring the dedication of those who serve in ministry.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 9:18
What is my reward then? Truly that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 2:9
For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Men Often Highly Esteem what God Abhors.
... But let one of these ministers send his saw to be ... it strange that a man so like Christ
should have no ... He never allowed himself to preach anything that could ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxi men often highly esteem.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... Do we not preach these things to our people? ... If ministers would be conscientious
in performing this duty entirely ... we cannot look that the gospel should run and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature 2.htm

Introduction
... We preach to men about matters of salvation, but the ... hearts as an adamant stone,
lest they should hear the ... The ministers of Christ therefore must be frequently ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/1 introduction.htm

A Wise Minister Will be Successful.
... or (3.) if he was called to preach, and knows ... may know how to win souls to Christ,
without great learning ... Ministers should be educated to know what the Bible is ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xi a wise minister.htm

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
... are in order, but the admonition, "Preach the word ... Nevertheless, you should be careful
that you do not try ... expression has been puzzling to many young ministers. ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxiii exhortation to workers.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... And to whom is it so fit, that Christians, whether ministers or people, should be
commended ... Verily, that when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

The Minister's Farewell
... How many ministers feel the influence of persons of ... own experience; God forbid that
I should preach any other ... I preach this doctrine, not from choice, but from ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the ministers farewell.htm

Paul in Corinth.
... his record is on high." But the ministers of religion ... discourses, especially after
he had begun to preach in the ... ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxi paul in corinth.htm

The Life of Mr. William Vetch.
... This made Monmouth say he should get the matter done ... Vetch, that the meeting voted
him to preach the next ... pulpit, seeing 16 of the old ministers sitting, and ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr william 3.htm

The Indwelling of the Spirit, the Common Privilege of all ...
... are one with Christ, and Christ with them." And yet, Christians must have their
names cast out as evil, and ministers in particular ... Should I preach to you any ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the indwelling of the spirit.htm