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This is definately right on. I'll never forget the time I told some guy that my parents were pastors of a church, and he goes "Whoa! They must be loaded!"
Are you flipping KIDDING me? They were grossly overworked and underpaid. They pastored-and still do-a small church, and as their child I can tell you that while we never wanted for anything (came close, but God provided), we were anything but rich. Heck, we even lived in a bus that had been converted into a motor home at one point. Not exactly the Bakkers.
I think a lot of pastors fall in this category, Jeff. The clergy gets a bad rap these days, I think. Sure, there are some that are abusing their positions but for the most part, I think most of them are hard-working, Godly people who are trying to serve God the best they know how.
I think a lot of pastors fall in this category, Jeff. The clergy gets a bad rap these days, I think. Sure, there are some that are abusing their positions but for the most part, I think most of them are hard-working, Godly people who are trying to serve God the best they know how.
I don't think there's anything wrong with the church community providing housing and cost of living expenses for their clergy. The money grubbing tele-evangelists are giving the good guys a bad name.
I will look to find the exact spot where I read it; till then, accept this passage,
The Acts Chapter 8; 18-20.
The fact is only the priests who labored in the temple could live off of the foods/sacrifices given.
As far as those missionaries were concerned ( the apostles and others) they could except gifts, but could not ask for them nor require them! The gospel is taught without price!
After looking at your first post it sounds like you're saying that a minister shouldn't be getting any paycheck whatsoever. Life is different in the twentyfirst century than it was a couple of thousand years ago and you're making it sound like a minister is doing something wrong if they accept any compensation whatsoever. If our ministers were reduced to the level of street beggars I don't think you'd see too many people signing up! These people have families and needs just like everyone else. I'm afraid that this is an example of quoting a passage from the Bible and taking it to the extreme.
After looking at your first post it sounds like you're saying that a minister shouldn't be getting any paycheck whatsoever. Life is different in the twentyfirst century than it was a couple of thousand years ago and you're making it sound like a minister is doing something wrong if they accept any compensation whatsoever. If our ministers were reduced to the level of street beggars I don't think you'd see too many people signing up! These people have families and needs just like everyone else. I'm afraid that this is an example of quoting a passage from the Bible and taking it to the extreme.
Actually the above quoted passage of Acts 8 refers to someone who wanted to pay the apostles for the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is much different IMO than earning your living from the gospel.
Ministers, Priest, Bishops, whatever should not get compensation from the church unless they are doing it 24/7 which I don't know of a whole lot who are. What is wrong with a priest holding down a regular full time job outside of church?
A pastor, preacher, minister, overseer, whatever they are called are for the most part very deserving of any salary they can make..Their job not only is to bring a message on Sunday morningd, but they visit hospitals, nursing homes shutins and are on call 24 hours a day for anyone who may need them for the death of a beloved member of his congregation. The perform weddings, etc,etc. IMO a good preacher deserves his salary. If it happens to be a wealthy church, as some we have attended they also have some health insurance..
My first impulse is to say that the Catholic ones should get checks from the Vatican (Corporate Headquarters, which is probably swimming in more than Bill Gates and Trump are) to cover personal needs & upkeep. Nothing from collections.
But where does the Vatican get the dough? Does a portion of all collections go to them? From even the poorer parishes?
Can only give a Catholic opinion, that's the one I was in.
Blue, the church my parents supported BIG time for decades "recommended" minimum of such and such $$$ for our priests to marry my sisters. When my parents married in the '50s, it was "well over a hundred dollars" according to my Dad. But I know all churches aren't as greedy as ours.
Actually the above quoted passage of Acts 8 refers to someone who wanted to pay the apostles for the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is much different IMO than earning your living from the gospel.
You're absolutely right. Simon the Sorcerer was trying to buy the apostles 'magic'. That passage has absolutely nothing to do with compensation for ministers.
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