October 22, 2015

How Much Should The Pastor Get Paid? 

We are still in 1 Corinthians 9 as we continue to march our way through this fascinating book. It never ceases to amaze me just how relevant and up to date this two thousand year old writing is. 

Get this; the church had money issues! Surprise, surprise. Jesus spoke more about this topic than any other.  His teaching on money perhaps could be summed up with, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also". Luke 12:34   

Nothing wrong with money. It is the heart that has the problem. Money is to be a blessing. But when it becomes our master, it turns into a curse.  The discussion in this chapter is about paying the "pastor." The modern church has erred in this regard both on the side of excess and frugality.

A few years back, I hired a contractor to pour some cement footings for me. While we were mixing up the concrete, he told me that pastors shouldn't get paid because they were working for the Lord. To which I replied, "cement contractors shouldn't get paid either since you are working for the Lord."(Doing my footings) He didn't like that response. I asked him, "How do you expect to get paid, if I am not being paid"? 

Our text says, "In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel." 1 Corinthians 9:14  Notice it is a command to take care of the needs of the one preaching the gospel. Why? Simply so that one who is preaching the gospel is free to discharge their duties without hindrances. In other words, if one is properly discharging their duties and fulfilling the expectations of the congregation, taking care of physical needs should not be a burden to them. 

The Apostle Paul, however, saw himself in a different light. A tent maker by trade and a travelling preacher at that, he would at times earn his living through his trade and other times he would receive his needs through the people he was ministering to. 

The main point Paul is making - it was his decision not the congregation's decision as to whether he received compensation or not. It was his right to receive financial compensation, but he emphatically refused to exercise his right. 1 Corinthians 9:15  “But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast.” 

The rest of the chapter gives us the reason why he was so adamant regarding not exercising his rights, which I will cover in my message on Sunday. (If you can't make it there is always the online option.) 

But let me conclude with this. The Elders of the church are there to serve you. But the congregation is there to serve the Elders. 1 Corinthians 9:10-11  “...Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?” So we have a perfect balance. The congregation adequately meeting the needs of the pastor and staff, while the staff and pastor adequately meet the needs of the congregation. 

Fantastical Masquerade Gala – 2015 ODB Fundraiser

The Gala in support of Our Daily Bread is fast approaching on Friday, Oct 30^th, 5:30pm at Mary Hall.  We are needing to confirm with Selkirk College how many will be attending by this coming Monday.  We are responsible to pay for every meal, so it is important to confirm your attendance by purchasing your ticket by Monday, October 26th.  The attire is formal/semi-formal (no costume), but with optional masquerade masks that can be taken on and off throughout the evening.   

New Options for KCF'ers and Supporters

We have found it increasingly challenging not to have the option of a credit/debit machine in our church office.  We live in a digital world and less and less cash is being used today. We now have a credit/debit machine available for use as we honour God with our giving. 

Firm Foundations Bible Study

A reminder that this Bible study will begin on Tuesday, November 3, 6:45pm at KCF.  We will be studying the book of Acts. 

New Beginnings

Are you new to the church? Just beginning to explore faith, God, and Jesus? Would you like to meet with like-minded people for a time of dissecting, discovering, and discussion about Jesus, faith, and spirituality? We are offering a nine-week small group experience at KCF hall on Thursdays at 6pm, and will have a bowl of soup, fresh buns (maybe dessert), and a good time together. We will limit the group to 9 people. If this is something you are interested in please email pastorjim@kcfoffice.com and confirm your attendance. 

Bright Lights

Bright Lights, A Club for Kids, Saturdays 1pm – 3:15pm at KCF, 520 Falls Street.  Contact Doreen to Register. 

Church Directory

Church Phone Directories will soon be made available for our church family.  We are in the process of updating the information we have.  Please contact the office or fill out one of the Church Directory Update Forms that will be available on the Guest Table on Sunday for the next few weeks.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Haiti

In January a team of people will accompany Pastor Jim on a mission trip to Haiti.  In preparation and support for this there will be a Spaghetti Dinner on Wednesday, Nov 18, 5:30pm at KCF.  This is a perfect event to invite your friends and family to, enjoy some time and good food together for a good cause.  Cost is $20 per person, and half price for kids 12 and under or $45 per family.  Contact the office for tickets. 

Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, the sermons, and places to donate. 

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend. 

Pastor Jim