Word of God - Wages for Preaching

April 19, 2009, 10:02 am by dc-agape.

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In my last formal post on the Word of God I want to cover some of the verses in the Word of God about the salaries of those who preach the Gospel.  In our world today there is a great crime being committed by “Preachers”.  This crime is the difference between earning a living and peddling the “Word” for profit.  In one of the only fully disclosed document on the salary + bonuses/benefits for a Catholic priest, the salary for one in Baltimore was in excess of $104,000/ year for the 2007 “tax year”. One must remember that these “salaries” are tax free so when you apply the taxation rate to a citizen of Baltimore of 37.3% (28% federal, 6.25% MD, and 3.05% Baltimore tax) that salary would like an individual making over $143,000/year.  True not all preachers make this type of cash, but don’t forget historic figures like Jim Baker who bilked $1,650,000 from his followers in only one of his 24 crimes.  I hate to use Billy Graham, Sr. in such a way, but he made $174,000 in the year 2000.  Are these examples just anomalies or should Christians be concerned that some, if not many, ministers are pandering the Gospel for profit?  Paul was certainly concerned with this concept:

2^nd Cor 2:17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.  On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.

If Paul did not pander his preaching for profit, why do so many of today’s ministers do exactly that?  Jesus certainly did not pander, nor did he advocate profit and riches in this life:

Luke 6:20 Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

Luke 12:33-34 Sell your possessions and give to the poor.  Provide purses for yourselves that will not war out, a treasure that will not wear out, at treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

It’s quite clear that Jesus had no desire for his followers to become rich here on earth.  In fact, he warned about the dangers of becoming materially rich.  So why do Christians pay their religious leaders so much money?  Aren’t the leaders supposed to be the role models?  Why do these leaders keep the money for themselves?  Should they not follow their own “perfect” role model – Jesus?

It is true that Paul tells the Corinthians:

1^st Cor 9:14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

But right before that verse Paul also says this about a preacher’s salary:

1^st Cor 9:12 If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more?  But we did not use this right.  On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.

This is a crucial concept.  Corruption, especially financial, leaves a bad taste in people’s mouth and feelings.  Seeing the corruption within the Church hinders the Gospel.  People do not want to be part of such contradicts of teaching and actions.  Worse, this is exactly what proves to the Atheist that religion is not supernatural. Indeed, it would seem that religion is human-made for the profit of those who gain the most from fleecing the flock!

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