Should we financially support our pastor
It amazes me how stingy people in the church are. The church mom said to me the other day, "black people don't build big churches cuz they wont give, especially Baptist churches." I found that funny, however true. In my path to be a pastor, i always in vision building the big church with all the amenities for the people. However, I am just 1 man with a dream. I wonder what kind of sheep the Lord will bless me with to accomplish such a task. Pastors appreciation is a big deal in the Black churches, but the bonus does not always reflect the 24/7 phone calls, counseling sessions, funerals,weddings, hours of sermon prep, and the mis-appreciated lifestyle. I know sometimes you just dont have it, but when the offering is for the pastor, please consider the sacrifice he makes to be your Sheppard. Remember the scripture says in Gal 6:6...... Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. I have written an article on the subject in more detail. http://relijournal.com/christianity/bless-the-pastor-from-the-theologians-corner/
I completely understand the dilemma a small but more engaging and spiritual church leader has to commit too. The giving seems very sincere without the financial support needed just to keep moving forward. I have made a commitment if I am relatively successful in the advice you have given me on triond. If the possibility arises and there is a monetary payment I would definately help you in spreading your words of truth and rightousness. It was you that inspired me and I will stay on track with your advice and hopefully something will pan out. I really enjoy the opportunity to comment on the many social and spiritual issues you cover in your mission within this blog. Peace!
Reply to this
Mr Clafleur, How are you man? I am very new to the internet as a whole. I first established an e-mail address to communicate with the many physicians I have to see and correspond with on a regular basis. I received a back/neck surgery 5 months ago and had what they call a back/neck fusion. It was an emergency surgery performed to prevent complete paralysis. I knew I had health problems but like you mentioned in your blog, without insurance for so many years of out of pocket and credit expenses, They still would not prescribe an MRI which could have prevented this from happening to me. I'm not sure how I would even approach the notion of fixing our healthcare system. I am living proof. I'm not whining either, I have a great surgeon now that fixed me. The physical healing takes up to 2-3 years so it has limited my ability to do my normal employment which is the finish construction trades. My general point is that surgery is what brought me to triond. I have more time to dedicate to writing something I have done as a personal hobby for 30 plus years. I'm really a guitar player who was encouraged to embark on a writing career by high scool and college profesors but just loved playing so much, I didn't really show anyone my writing hobby for years. Now that triond has given all of us a great forum to publish material, it's also been more enjoyacble meeting solid people like yourself. I have been taking your advice about seeking independent publishing companies and have been getting good but slow response. It takes time. But if it does transpire to any monetary value I would gladly give at least half to your ministry to help you sustain your church. If I had more to offer now I would but the economy coupled with my limited mobility and $ flow has left me in the red. I am actively pursueing this publishing route and only think it to be fair and give you credit in some way. I would have never wrote them. Your words just clicked something inside me and I began. So If any of my material even gets to a magazine with some royalties, I would feel indebted in doing so. It may be a long shot but I will try with all my heart for the sake of doing something rightous. Maybe it will touch others in a positive way and that is a big payoff in itself. But I'm sending pieces to interested staff in Mass. and NYC. Will see what happens. Either way , I'll always be a daily viewer of your blog now and try and steer decent, good people that would embrace it like me. Thanks for your friendship and inspirational encouragement to keep moving forward. Peace my friend!
Reply to this
Dear Pastor:
You commented on my article on BUKISA on "What are you claiming in your Ministry" where you rsponded that a person is saved by "Faith" only, but I would encourage you to read Acts 2: 37-38; 8: 5, 12, 35-36, 38-39; 9: 17-18; 10: 44-48; 15: 29-33; 16: 14-15; 18: 24-26; 19: 1-6; Romans 6: 3-7, 17-18; 10: 8-11; I Peter 3: 21, and lastly,
2 Corinthians 13: 5a
Reply to this
i dont recall saying you are saved by faith, i would say you are saved by grace and Ephesians 2:8-9 is the scripture.
Reply to this