By working like this
As many of my regular readers know, I do not believe that it is scriptural to pay a salary to a pastor/elder (or other localized Christian) because of their position in the church. (I do believe that sharing or honoring in response to anyone’s teaching, leading, or service is appropriate at times.) When I wrote a series of posts on this topic, someone asked about a particular phrase in Acts 20. I wrote the post “By working like this” about 3 years ago in response to that question.
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Last October, I wrote a series of posts where I argued that paying a salary to an elder/pastor because of their position cannot be supported from Scripture. The summary to the series, and links to the other posts in that series, can be found in the post “Summary – Should elders/pastors be paid a salary?”
Recently, there have been some really good anonymous comments left in some of the posts of that series. One comment in particular by Jerry deserved further consideration. Jerry writes:
He [Paul] says that they (and he) must work hard to support the weak, embodying the principle of giving over receiving as spoken by Jesus and modeled by Paul in his providing for the men with him from his enterprises. I think you are reading more into outws in Acts 20:35 than can be substantiated from the greater context of scripture. Were they to work “exactly†as Paul did they would all have to enter the craft of tentmaking. Paul clearly argued that there were some in ministry positions who had the right to earn their living from the gospel (1 Cor 9:14). Paul didn’t assert this right, this is to his credit, but Paul’s example here cannot be exegetically construed to be prescriptive to all ministry workers lest a number of problems with the text arise.
The primary passage that Jerry references is Acts 20:33-35:
I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:33-35 ESV)
In context, this is the end of a speech that Paul gives to the elders of the church in Ephesus. This is a very valuable passage, because it is one of the few places in Scripture where elders are specifically addressed. (By the way, one other passage is 1 Peter 5:1-4.)
Jerry raises the question concerning the referent of “outws” (οὑτως), which is an adverb that is generally translated “thus” or “in this manner”. It is translated “in this manner/way” in the ESV, NASB, and NET and “like this” in the NKJV and HCSB. Of course, the question is, “To what does ‘outws’ refer?” The NIV interprets the reference for us: “this kind of hard work”. But, is this a valid interpretation?
In verses 33-34, Paul says that he has demonstrated to these elders how he “worked hard with his hands” while he was among them. He did this in order to provide for himself and for others and so that he would not covet other people’s money – at least, according to the text this is why he did it. Notice that Paul does not mention how he worked. He does not mention that he made tents. That information is not necessary for his argument. What is necessary is that he worked hard with his hands in order to provide support for himself and others.
Next, in verse 35, Paul says that he showed the Ephesian elders (“you” – his audience was composed of elders from the church in Ephesus) that it was necessary for them to work “like this”. Literally, this verse reads, “In all things I showed you that it is necessary to help the weak by working hard like this…” The phrase “by working hard like this” is fronted both in the Greek text and in our English translations for emphasis. How do elders help the weak? Paul’s answer is, “By working hard like this”. Of course, this still brings up the question, “To what was Paul referring when he said “like this”?
From the context, Paul was using his own work (“with his hands”) as an example to the elders. They were to work in the same manner – that is, “with their hands in order to provide for themselves and others”. Again, Paul does not mention tentmaking in this argument, but it was not his emphasis. He did not expect nor encourage the elders to begin making tents like he did. However, he did expect each of them to “work hard with his hands”. This is the reference for “outws” – “in this way” or “like this”.
The remainder of verse 35 reinforced what Paul is saying. By working hard with their hands, the elders would be able to support themselves and to have enough to help others, especially those who are weak. Therefore, they would be remembering and living out Jesus’ words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
By the way, this is not a nice suggestion on Paul’s part. Instead, he says, “It is necessary”. This is one of the strongest imperatival forms in the New Testament. Paul could have said, “It is fitting” or “It is proper”, which carries less weight. However, he did not. He said that it is necessary for elders to help the weak by working hard with their hands in order to support themselves and others.
One more quick note. As I’ve said before, I do not think that paying a salary to a pastor/elder because of their position is scriptural. First, this does not mean that I think the practice is always wrong. A practice does not have to be in Scripture to be appropriate at times. However, I do not think a salaried pastorship is necessary, and I think it is detrimental in many contexts. This does not mean that I condemn every pastor who receives a salary. In fact, I do not even bring up the topic with pastors that I personally know who receive a salary. Why? Because for the most part they are very godly people, interested in serving God and the church. Also, while I think they are wrong in their understanding of this topic, I also recognize that I could be wrong. In humility, I prefer to let God sort that out, and live in unity with other believers instead of causing division. Finally, I do believe that giving financially to pastors/elders is scriptural, when it is done by individuals in response to that person’s teaching, leading, and other forms of service. I have gratefully accepted money from people many times, as well as other types of support – that is, financial and non-financial. I have also been the recipient of hospitality from many different brothers and sisters in Christ. I also give cheerfully to others in response to their needs or in response to their teaching, leadership, and other forms of service and offer hospitality to others. “Money” is not the issue in my argument. Instead, the issue is whether or not a pastor/elder should be paid a salary based on their position as pastor/elder.
Dave Black Comments on Senior Pastors
On his blog (Saturday, January 8, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.), Dave Black mentions a review of Strauch’s Biblical Eldership.
The reviewer agrees with many of Strauch’s conclusions, but disagrees with one point in particular. While Strauch argues against a “senior pastor” position, the reviewer believes a “senior pastor” positions is legitimized based on the roles of Timothy and Titus in the “pastoral epistles” and based on the angles of the seven churches in Revelation 2-3.
Dave responds:
One of the most important lessons in New Testament Introduction courses is a discussion of the so-called Pastoral Epistles, which, of course, were neither written to nor about pastors. It is clear, for example, that the church which Timothy was sent to serve (Ephesus) already had elders — Paul had met with them earlier in Miletus. As for Titus, he was charged with appointing elders in every city on Crete. As I have often said to my students, it is high time we put the term “Pastoral Epistles” out to pasture once and for all. As for the “angels” of the seven churches of Asia Minor in Revelation 2-3, considering the consistent use of the term angelos in the book of Revelation, it seems likely that the term is being used to refer to angelic beings in these 2 chapters.
It would seem, then, that the title of senior pastor is in fact inconsistent with the concept of the plurality of elders, assuming that the eldership is, as Strauch argues, non-hierarchical. In fact, I suggest that this is exactly what one would expect when one looks at the twelve apostles of our Lord, none of whom can be said to have held the position of “Senior Apostle.” Of course, one of them, Peter, was a spokesman of sorts for the others on many an occasion, but did this make the rest “Associate Apostles”?
Did you know that “senior pastor” is actually a valid title found in Scriputre? It’s true. It’s used in 1 Peter 5:4 – “chief shepherd” = “senior pastor.”
Does “Double Honor” = “Salary”?
So, does “double honor” in 1 Timothy 5:17-18 refer to a salary? Arthur at “The Voice of One Crying out in Suburbia” takes issue with another blogger’s conclusion in his post “Back to double honor.”
In case you’re new around here, I do not believe that “double honor” in 1 Timothy 5:17-18 refers to a salary. I do not believe that Scripture condones paying a salary to someone in exchange for that person being a pastor/elder or in exchange for that person offering the church some type of service.
But, for those who do believe that “double honor” in that passage indicates a salary, I’d like to ask a couple of questions. The following two passages are very similar – perhaps even parallel – to 1 Timothy 5:17-18.
One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. (Galatians 6:6 ESV)
Does the passage above indicate that we should pay a salary to all teachers? Why or why not?
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you [lead you] in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV)
In the passage above (which is eerily similar to 1 Timothy 5:17-18), Paul uses the phrase “esteem them highly.” Could that give us a clue as to what Paul meant by the phrase “double honor”? Why or why not?
What do you think?
Fitch: “Leadership” is not biblical
Yes, the title is provocative, but the content is very good. I’m talking about David Fitch’s article “Is ‘Leadership’ Biblical? A Few Reasons to Say ‘No’” at “Reclaiming the Mission.”
By the way, David begins by saying that he is talking about “leadership” in “the way the term has become adopted into the vernacular of evangelical leadership conferences and books.”
He gives five reasons that this type of “leadership” is not biblical:
1. THE WORD “LEADER†ITSELF IS GENERALLY AVOIDED IN THE NT within the context of the church.
2. WHENEVER THE WORD “LEADER†IS USED IN THE NT – IT IS SUBVERTED BY THE CHURCH so that “leadership†takes on the element of leading by character not coercion, by submission not hierarchy in reverence for the Lordship of Christ.
3. JESUS HIMSELF SUBVERTED THE TERM “LEADERSHIP.â€
4. CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP IS DEFINED BY THE POSTURE OF SUBMISSION – TO THE WORLD THIS IS NOT LEADERSHIP.
5. THE BUSINESS MODELS OF LEADERSHIP WILL HANDICAP US FROM LEADING INTO MISSION. (emphasis in original)
Of course, David says that there is a “biblical” form of leadership. You can see that in his “reasons” above. Read his post; there is much more information there.
By the way, it is interesting to see several commenters “agreeing” with David with a “yes, but…” approach.
I’ve been re-mixed
Turnabout is fair play. A reader named Harper took a statement that I made in my post “Why I’m glad not to be that kind of pastor” and turned it around. Then, he used my own strike-through “re-mix” style. (Unfortunately, he couldn’t post this as a comment, so he emailed it to me and I’ve published it here.):
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Here is the first installment of “Scripture Alan……As We Live See It #1â€:
Actually, I don’t think the problem is with being a “pastor†per se, but with the unscriptural expectations control that many Christians leaders (especially elders or “pastorsâ€) place on demand over those they recognize as leaders followers (especially elders The Church or “pastors†“sheepâ€).
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By the way, I think the church needs a “course correction” (punt and do-over?) in the area of leadership. And, I believe that this course correction must come from both directions: both from those who are recognized as leaders and from those who are not recognized as leaders.
It’s not my kingdom
It’s not my kingdom, and it’s not my church. I think every Christian would agree with that in principle, but some often act as if it is their kingdom and their church.
James and John asked if they could sit at Jesus’ right and left hand while he ruled his kingdom. Jesus said, “No. That’s not the way my kingdom works.” But, I think, others have decided that James and John were right and Jesus was wrong. They have tried to place themselves at Jesus’ right/left hand, even if only over their local fiefdoms.
I’ll be honest… it is tempting to place yourself (or let yourself be placed) in a position of authority.
But, how do we make sure that we are not putting ourselves in a position that only Jesus can hold?
Why I’m glad not to be that kind of pastor
I wrote the post “Why I’m glad not to be that kind of pastor” in response to another blog post. But, this post explains much about my understanding of edlers/pastors. I think it is a good post to closer out the week of my “Dangerous Sunday” series.
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Why I’m glad not to be that kind of pastor
A few days ago, John Smulo at “smulospace” wrote a post called “Why I’m Glad Not To Be A Pastor Anymore“. John says that he is disillusioned with the “predominant models of ‘pastor'” and that he’s glad that he’s not in that position anymore because:
- I get to spend so much more time with my family.
- I get to spend more time with friends.
- It’s great to just be a married guy with kids, who owns a website and blog design business.
- I have time to be involved in my community through our local Rotary Club.
- I needed to recover from church burnout.
I understand what John is talking about, but not from experience, only from observing other “pastors”. Actually, I don’t think the problem is with being a “pastor” per se, but with the unscriptural expectations that many Christians place on those they recognize as leaders (especially elders or “pastors”). For example, a few months ago in a post called “Responsibilities and Expectations of Elders“, I published a standard job description that is published by a denominational agency:
- Plan and conduct the worship services; prepare and deliver sermons; lead in observance of ordinances.
- Lead the church in an effective program of witnessing and in a caring ministry for persons in the church and community.
- Visit members and prospects.
- Conduct counseling sessions; perform wedding ceremonies; conduct funerals.
- Serve as chairman of the Church Council to lead in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating the total church program.
- Work with deacons, church officers, and committees as they perform their assigned responsibilities; train and lead the deacons in a program of family ministries.
- Act as moderator of church business meetings.
- Cooperate with associational, state, and denominational leaders in matters of mutual interest and concern; keep the church informed of denominational development; represent the church in civic matters.
- Serve as chief administrator of the paid church staff; supervise the work of assigned paid staff workers.
In that post, I stated that these (for the most part) are expectations placed on “pastors” by church organizations and many believers, but they are not scriptural expectations or requirements.
Here’s the thing… I’m an elder… I pastor… but I’m not “that kind of pastor”. And, I’m glad not to be that kind of pastor. Why?
1. No one expects me to be obedient for them, and I’m not paid to be obedient for others. Everyone who is part of the church recognizes that it is their responsibility to serve, teach, care, evangelize, etc.
2. When I talk about the difficulties of working, having a family, and serving other people in the church and outside the church, I’m not talking from theory. No. I actually do all of those things. I work. I have a family. I serve other people in the church and outside the church. By the way, my example also removes excuses when someone would want to say, “But I don’t have time.”
3. No one wonders if I serve them only because I’m paid. They don’t wonder what would happen if another church offered me more money. They don’t wonder if I’m part of them only because they hired me.
4. I’m free to do whatever God leads me to do. My time is not taken up with meetings and planning and other “duties and responsibilities” that may take time away from serving or loving people that God brings across my path.
5. I’m part of the church. I’m not the main guy or some outside expert or professional. I’m just another brother who is struggling in his walk with Christ just like everyone else. Hopefully, since I’ve been recognized by the church, my walk is at least a little more mature and is a good example for others to follow. This also means that I’m free to say, “No”, if someone asks me to do something.
6. The church are my friends. I don’t have to keep people at arm’s distance. I don’t have to worry about job security if people find out that I’m not perfect or I don’t have all the answers.
7. Since I’m not the only one responsible for teaching – all of us are responsible to teach – then I’m also able to learn and be encouraged by the church. I can exercise my spiritual gifts in serving others and others can exercise their spiritual gifts as well. I don’t have to try to be (or pretend to be) a “jack-of-all-trades”.
There are so many other reasons why I’m glad not to be “that kind of pastor”. But, primarily, I’m glad that I’m actually able to pastor (that is, care for people), without being required to handle administrative, organizational, and structural requirements that other “pastors” are required to deal with.
Continuing Discussion on Leaders Among the Church
Art from “The Itinerants” is continuing the discussion about leaders among the church in his post “Leadership by Position or Loving Servants?” Art discusses the difference between leading from a position (or because someone holds a particular position) and leading from service in order to serve as an example.
He begins with the common phrase “respect the office, even if you don’t respect the person.” (Can any believer lead if they are not respected as a person?)
Art writes (among many other things):
Leadership being service to others and not decision making for others is really a profound distinction. It highlights the qualitative difference between leadership within the church and leadership in the world.
Fundamentally, among the saints there is no authoritarian power over others based on position. There is only a resultant, voluntary influence based on a historical relationship through service and sacrificial example through maturity. No one can “command†respect and obedience because they ARE an elder (etc.). Instead, they may appeal to their acts of past and ongoing love and sacrifice for you–which we see Paul doing on occasion.
Like Art says, the difference between leading from position and leading from service is a huge distinction and a very important one. If we are not leading “based on a historical relationship through service and sacrificial example through maturity” then I would say that we are not leading the way that Scripture describes.
How are you leading? What about the ones you follow?
Why would he thank God for that?
I was very exciting and grateful to read Eric’s (from “A Pilgrim’s Progress“) post called “Thankful for a Little Work.” You see, Eric has been out of work for a few weeks since he resigned from his position as a professional pastor.
(I was glad to hear from Eric personally that he continues to pastor/shepherd people even though he is not employed in the office of a pastor. Perhaps he will write about this eventually… hint hint.)
So, Eric has been looking for work for a few weeks. As everyone knows, this is a difficult economy to be looking for work. But, Eric found work! He says:
I’m happy to say that I now have a little work to do. The Lord has provided some janitorial work for me in the evenings at a local daycare facility. Basically I sweep and mop a cafeteria, kitchen, hallway, and bathrooms for 3.5 hours per night. It is nothing special by the world’s standards, but it is real work. The pay is not much (certainly not enough to support a family), but it is something that will help.
Wait… Eric is HAPPY for a part-time job as a janitor? And, he thanks God for PROVIDING this job for him?
Yes. And, I thank God for Eric and his example. You may not agree with Eric’s conclusion that paid, professional pastors are not scriptural, but you have to admire the fact that he is living according to his convictions, and not just talking about them.
Pastoral worries
So, I’m an elder in our church – one of five elders, actually. I pastor, meaning that I care for people. Of course, many, many people who are part of our church pastor people. It’s hard to disciple without pastoring…. and we should all be discipling, right?
I’m not a professional pastor. I do not draw a salary because I am an elder or because I pastor. I do not “preach a sermon” every week. In fact, once again, many, many people who are part of our church take part in teaching. It’s hard to disciple without teaching… and we should all be discipling, right?
Lately, I’ve been paying attention to some of the comments (on Facebook or blogs or twitter) from other pastors. I’ve noticed a few things that cause pastors to worry… things that I don’t worry about because of our context.
For example, I don’t worry about getting fired because I say the wrong thing or because I take a stand on the wrong topic. (Even if I’m wrong.) I can’t be fired, because I was never hired. People follow me because they’ve decided that I’m a good example of one who is following Jesus Christ. We have many good examples who are part of our church.
I also don’t worry about what I’m going to “preach” each week. Even when it is my turn to teach or lead the discussion, “sermon preparation” is not even in view. Instead, we teach or discuss based on what we are all studying together. Imagine sitting around and talking about a certain topic or Scripture passage with a group of your friends, and then you have a good idea of what our times of teaching are like.
I don’t worry about getting someone to “fill in” for me when I’m sick or when I’m out of town. Why? Because I’m not the only one studying and “preparing” for our church meeting. I know that if I’m not present (as if my presence is necessary) there will be many others who can teach and lead the discussion.
I don’t worry about money and budget issues. Besides paying no salaries, we also fund no “ministries.” Oh, we use our money to minister to people, but not in the sense of needing to have a certain amount of money in order for some program to continue. If, for some reason, we do not have to money to rent the place where we’re currently meeting, we’ll simply find another place. We don’t let money rule what we do or don’t do.
Because of many of the above, I don’t worry about how many people meet with us each Sunday. I don’t have to worry about filling the pews (or chairs). I don’t have to worry about recruiting people to fill ministry program slots. I don’t have to worry about how much money people give.
Instead, I can focus all of my time and energy on people… caring for people… serving people… discipling people… teaching people… sharing my life with people.