Topical Bible: Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Help Them

◄ Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Help Them ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, the relationship between ministers and their congregations is one of mutual support and responsibility. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the duty of the congregation to assist and support their ministers in various ways. This support is not merely a suggestion but is often portrayed as a binding obligation, rooted in the spiritual and communal life of the church.

Biblical Foundations

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently addresses the relationship between ministers and their congregations. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 , Paul writes, "But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction. In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the labor of ministers, suggesting that the congregation has a duty to honor and support them.

Similarly, in Galatians 6:6 , Paul instructs, "Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor." This verse underscores the principle that those who benefit from the spiritual guidance of ministers are obligated to provide for their material needs, ensuring that ministers can continue their work without undue hardship.

Old Testament Precedents

The concept of supporting religious leaders is not limited to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the Levites, who were set apart for religious duties, were supported by the tithes and offerings of the people. Numbers 18:21 states, "Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting." This system of support allowed the Levites to focus on their spiritual responsibilities without the distraction of secular labor.

Practical Implications

The obligation of congregations to support their ministers extends beyond financial assistance. It includes offering prayer, encouragement, and cooperation in the ministry's work. Hebrews 13:17 advises, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." This passage highlights the spiritual responsibility of the congregation to make the minister's task a joyful one, free from unnecessary burdens.

The Role of the Congregation

The congregation's role in supporting their ministers is multifaceted. It involves recognizing the spiritual authority and leadership of the minister, providing for their material needs, and actively participating in the life and mission of the church. This support is not only beneficial for the ministers but also for the congregation, as it fosters a healthy and vibrant church community.

In summary, the Bible presents a clear mandate for congregations to support their ministers. This support is an integral part of the church's life, ensuring that ministers can fulfill their calling effectively while the congregation grows in faith and unity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 16:9
Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 4:3
And I entreat you also, true yoke fellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Motives from the Necessities of the Work
... doubt, that the day is near when unfaithful ministers will wish ... flock, when, besides
all the rest of their sins, they ... our death, as well as our people's, is at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article 3.htm

How Churches Can Help Ministers.
... or spend it upon their lusts, than ministers have ... the day of judgment to convert
the people, and they ... asking and receiving aid in supporting their minister from ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xiii how churches can.htm

God Seeks Intercessors
... Let ministers make this a part of their duty. Let them make their church a training
school of intercession. Give the people definite objects for prayer. ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xiv god seeks intercessors.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... But the ministers of Christ must do their duty ... desire the reformation and welfare
of your people, do all ... how to proceed in your endeavors for their further good ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature 2.htm

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
... Word of God, and also toward the people, is of ... No better instruction to ministers
has ever been given than ... not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxiii exhortation to workers.htm

Motives from the Benefits of Work
... lips should keep knowledge, and the people should ask ... their doubts, and for help
against their sins, and ... and all saving grace; and that ministers are purposely ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article i.htm

The Early Welcome and the First Ministers of the King
... VIII THE EARLY WELCOME AND THE FIRST MINISTERS OF THE ... the impression of the subsequent
hostility of the people. ... obedience and willing abandonment of their all. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the early welcome and the.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... Consider what fit objects of pity ungodly people are. ... physician as a person in whose
hands is their life or ... as if it belonged to none but ministers; except you ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in ...
... have directly opposed, and said, by their deeds, we ... ourselves with those whom the
ministers preach against ... sin hath ordinarily insnared God's people into divers ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iv that it is.htm

Letter ccxxviii. (AD 428 or 429. )
... prevent the Church from being destitute of the service of ministers. ... But when the
people remain and the servants of God flee, and their service is ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter ccxxviii a d 428 or.htm