That's What We Pay You To Do

Articles

Keith Barclay
02/16/16 - Leadership

‘That’s What We Pay You To Do!’

by Keith Barclay

It is with great trepidation that I undertake this writing. I serve as both an elder and an evangelist. I think this gives me a unique perspective to talk about this issue. I trust objectivity is achieved and truth is illuminated.

What is to be the relationship between the local assembly of believers and those she supports? Would we treat an elder worthy of double honor (I Tim. 5:17) the same way we do preachers? There are few men who are serving as shepherds who receive support for such, but it is certainly authorized by scripture (I Tim. 5:18). Do we make a distinction in roles and thus a distinction in how we view the relationship?

There seems to be a wide diversity of thought on this issue. There are those, like myself, who could not expect any better relationship that that which I currently share with the brethren in Normal, Illinois. There are others who have either been mistreated, or have mistreated those who trusted them. As a result, both the preacher and the congregation find themselves a little skittish and apprehensive when it comes to defining and implementing the relationship between them.

That a financial relationship may exist between the two is readily seen from numerous texts (Phil. 4:15ff; I Cor. 9:13f; 2 Cor. 11:8; Gal. 6:6). That is not the focus of this article. What I desire for us to look at is the approach we take with regard to preachers and their work. Let me say that there is certainly latitude regarding all of the particulars of how a congregation and the preachers work out their arrangement. I am not addressing such, but want to focus my attention upon the “big picture” and the attitudes I find to be healthy and beneficial for all concerned. Above all, I believe they are biblical.

It seems that in a number of situations that a “business model” has become the norm. While I do not deny that there are business aspects to the functioning of a local congregation, the local congregation is not a business. In much the same way that the church has organization, but is more than an organization – it is a living organism ( a body, a bride, a kingdom, etc.) – the church does some business, but is far more than a business. That should be reflected in its relationship with preachers and elders who are supported for the sake of work that they do.

While we speak of budgets and bills (both of which are business issues) we will also speak of fellowship, partnership, working together and submitting to one another when it comes to relationships we share with preachers and elders. How do we view those who have devoted their life to the preaching of the gospel? Our attitude toward them and their attitude toward their work (I know, this sounds awfully like a business word) needs to fit the Lord’s model rather than the successful business model of the day.

Despite the “That’s what we pay you to do” approach of some, he is not a taxi service, or a delivery boy or the “official hospital visitor.” While he certainly should, as a fellow believer, share in those legitimate things we are all to do, they are not a part of the Lord’s job description for the work he is called to do. (This list could easily be expanded but borrowing from the apostle Paul’s approach in Galatians 5:21 allow “and things like these” suffice.)

His work is to “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Tim. 4:2 NIV). It will involve study, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15 NIV).

The congregation, in providing financial support, is enabling a brother to do what scripture defines as his work in this regard. Are there men who will take advantage of such a situation? Sadly, yes. But the solution is not a “business model” that requires more paperwork than the IRS. The solution is accountability with him just like with any other member of the congregation. Communication, constant and consistent, are far more valuable than confrontation, contention and control.

If you treat the preacher or elders as “hirelings” (Jn. 10:12f), do not be surprised when they behave in that manner. Those of us who preach need to do everything we can not to give brethren pause about supporting another man after we leave. Nor should our

work habits be so poor that the next brother must endure an unprofitable , if not ungodly, approach by the congregation toward him and his work.

If you recognize the partnership you share and what a source of encouragement you can be, I am convinced the difference in the quality and quantity of the service rendered by your preacher or shepherds will be readily evidenced.

Let’s all take a fresh look at what the New Testament says regarding the relationship between the preacher and the congregation and the supporting of elders. It may have a rather refreshing outcome.