letters to surfers
Based on 2 Thessalonians shouldn't preachers work to support themselves
as Paul did?
Answer by Robert Brow August 1999
(Web site - www.brow.on.ca)
Paul does say "Anyone unwilling to work should not eat" (2 Thess.
3:10). But presumably work should not be defined as working for wages
or a salary. Most women I know who raise four children (as my wife did)
work harder for nothing than many overpaid men. Paul worked with his hands
as a tentmaker when he needed to, but he accepted support from churches
for periods when he had to be in ministry full time (Phil. 4:15-16).
I suppose the leader of your group functions as a preacher/pastor/teacher.
Many who do that often work sixty hours a week, and they deserve to be
supported (Luke 10:7, Ephesians 6:6). But if a preacher or church
leader was bone idle, or unsuited to Christian ministry I wouldn't give
a penny for poor work.(Phil. 4:15-16).
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