The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Paying for Ministry

Paying for ministry

I am running into Reformed Christians, that believe any book, Bible etc.., that is meant for ministry purposes, it is wrong to charge for.
Here are a few examples of this.



I gave just a few examples and I could give a few more.
However, it is clear they believe that it is wrong to charge for books that are meant for ministry purposes. Regardless of if the book is by great authors like RC Sproul, etc…

I gave some push back, saying that I am not for overcharging for books. However, they are not cheep to produce. Which includes quite a few things, including paying wages.
I also said that when I read a book that I believe might help someone. I often gift that book to the person.
By the way, this is also a shot across the bow, of some ministries they like.

So far, everybody disagrees with me.

Thoughts?

Is it wrong to charge, not necessarily. However, I believe the Reformed has overpriced itself on ministering in third world countries which is why their is not much of a Reformed presence in those areas.

Sounds like these "Reformed Christians" are bone fide Socialists, which BTW is anti-biblical; aka: take from the rich and give to the poor. There is NO FREE LUNCH!! Perhaps these "Reformed Christians" (a misnomer in my opinion when describing such individuals) would volunteer to gift all the materials needed to produce pamphlets, books, DVDs, etc. and then volunteer their time to distribute them to all who want these "free" items at their own expense? How about asking them what they would think if their boss told them that they are no longer going to be paid for their job since he is going to give away for free or very little to those who either can't afford to buy them or don't believe in paying for merchandise?

Capitalism hasn't invaded the Church but rather flowed out of the Church which holds that Scriptural principles undergird it. The practice of Capitalism has been in practice since the early days of the creation of mankind

What do they think bartering is?

When one is on the receiving end of Socialism/Communism, everything is great. But when one is forced to give what they have earned and labored for it's a totally different matter.

Lastly, the word "Christian" has become so bastardized that it virtually has no actual meaning today.

I did mention overcharging for books etc…
That is not the main issue.

Pilgrim

Thanks, I agree 100%.
I was however surprised because that group of “Reformed Christians” is usually very solid.

I am sure there are other issues that I would disagree with them on. However, this is the first time I have noticed.

By the way, they believe that Capitalism is the only system. But not for ministry.

Personally, I am not sure how these ministry books would be paid for unless someone pays for them.

“There is no free lunch”

One of the people said something I am not certain I understand.


He states that he is for pastors being paid. However and I quote: I am not quite sure what he means.
How are buying books and Bible’s “peddling Christianity”?

Tom

Certainly there are people who "peddle" Christianity and use "ministry" as a means of gain. But hirelings like that are usually easy to spot for anyone with an ounce of spiritual discernment. Hirelings have long been an issue since earliest times.

My little ministry is a labor of love and I never pass a plate during chapel services, but I do make a little "offering box" available to those who wish to help with expenses, because it involves a lot of travel and resources to do what I do.

I think a lot of so-called ministers are performers who expect to be paid like rock stars for thrilling audiences and whatever. Perhaps this group's argument is really just a backlash against those "performers."

I am beginning to believe, it is fruitless to say anything else to those people.

After trying to explain what I am saying.
Here is the latest.


Tom

1. "Ministry" costs... absolutely and each local assembly can choose to support such endeavors.
2. Far too many pastors nowadays have the attitude that the pastoral ministry is a vocation vs a calling from God. A cursory reading of the NT will reveal that not one of the apostles/disciples lived exclusively off the tithes and offerings of the individual assemblies. They all, including the Apostle Paul worked in a vocation in order to sustain himself in his calling.
3. In the NT, charity and philanthropy was to help the poor and needy temporarily. It was not something required nor demanded of the church for the purpose of 'ministry'.
4. Lastly re: "commercialize the word of God - something God has freely give to us." Really? God revealed His will to the prophets and apostles who then recorded by inspiration all that was given to them. This was then copied by others and distributed by various means. But, the copying and distribution was not "free". Someone had to kill an animal, tan the hide and create parchment upon which someone else had the laborious task of transcribing or copying an existent copy of the text. Are there some who "commercialize" materials for the sole purpose of making money? Certainly!! But that has to do with intent vs. covering costs and making a reasonable wage in order to live in this world. Capitalism makes altruism and philanthropy possible.

Pilgrim

I have essentially written off trying to reason with them.
In their last communication, they basically said even Reformed ministries they liked such as Ligonier Ministries are all in sin on the issue.
He did state that he could point me to numerous Reformed ministries that are not in sin on the issue.
Tom

They are all "in sin", so they claim? Okay, who regulates the Church of Christ but Christ Himself through the Word of God written. Thus, show me where God has commanded that all who work for HIM as shepherds of the flock are to fulfill their calling for free. All materials that are used for ministry, including hymnals, church buildings, pianos, pulpits, cars that transport worshippers, etc., etc., are to be free. IF they cannot point to a didactic passage that commands such nonsense, then THEY are sinning against God and His people and distorted the gospel message. Again, Socialism is NOT to be found as a commandment of God in the Bible and therefore must be rejected on its face. "Reformed Christians"

And who does the Scripture call "the Accuser?"

Jus' askin'

And who does "the Accuser" accuse? and to whom does he make those accusations? And Who counters the Accuser's accusations?

Jus' askin' too.