Joel M Bradshaw

17Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”–1 Timothy 5

I have met people who think that pastors should work other jobs and volunteer their church service. I have also known pastors who were paid part time by the church and part time by another job. I remember being called to pastor a small church and at the time I was already working a secular job. In one of the interviews, I asked the church if they wanted me to be bi-vocational. They told me absolutely no, and then they quoted the above verses to me.

I have served at generous churches who always provided for the needs of my family. I currently serve at a very generous church who loves me and cares for me and my family. I am grateful for my church.

You may read the above verses and are asking what the ‘double honor’ is? The first honor is the respect and spiritual submission due to the church leader whom God has in place. Sheep should follow their shepherd, as the shepherds in turn follow Jesus, the Shepherd. I have found that people treat me with respect as a pastor. I am honored to serve. I am also honored to spiritually submit to pastors and elders that God has placed in my life to shepherd me. They are worthy of that honor.

The second honor is linked to a church’s budget. We know this because Paul immediately spoke of money. He quoted Moses from Deuteronomy 25. Moses pictured an ox treading grain and occasionally bending down and eating some as he did the work. Farmers were to let the ox eat. Paul next quoted Jesus from Luke 10. There Jesus told the disciples to accept the gifts of those they were serving in the ministry. These were gifts most likely of food and lodging as the disciples traveled to communities to minister.

As pastors and ministry leaders serve the spiritual needs of the people of the church, the church helps to provide for their physical needs. Today’s verse gives the justification for a church having paid staff.–JMB