

The Purpose of the Tithe
Some say the original purpose of the tithe is to feed (provide for) pastors and to fund the church. What is the purpose of the tithe today?
“God expects us to give not as an afterthought, but as our top financial priority.”, – Alex Cook
Determining what a Pastor’s salary should be is another matter that many churches find difficult to decide on.
Whether they are fresh out of the seminary or veterans of numerous church assignments, pastors still feel uncomfortable talking about their pay lest their motives be questioned.
Do they really have a calling and truly care for the welfare of their flock or are they just in it for the money?
A secular employee’s attention to detail and the fine prints of his salary package is viewed as being shrewd and decisive thus a desirable quality. In church, however, setting parameters and discussing details of his pay is often viewed as proof of the pastor’s lack of faith in God’s provision. It fact, “undue attention” to the compensation will most likely mean he won’t get the job.
Another misconception is that workers engaged in vocational ministry are not up to par with their peers in the secular workforce. The perceived spiritual work of a Pastor is no less and no better than the perceived secular work of a Christian in the marketplace. The pastor or a church and the Christian CEO of a company are doing equally important work for the Lord but in different fields. Why then should those in secular work be necessarily and automatically paid better than those who are called to vocational ministry?
But whether churches accept it or not, the fact remains that in most cultures around the world, salary is a love language.
In his article An Essential Guide To The Minister’s Salary by Craig Ford says that in particular, North American culture has established money as the standard of labor appreciation.
But even in biblical times, there has been an established close relationship between work and pay. In fact, in the parable of the talents, the person who is a good worker, a shrewd and trustworthy manager, is better rewarded than the one who is not.
And, while most, if not all pastors accept the prospect of low pay when they enter the ministry, he would still view the amount of salary the congregation is willing to give him as a reflection of their regard and appreciation for him.
It would be good therefore for the church to first determine what message the salary package they are offering communicates in terms of importance and appreciation of the minister.
Ford goes on to list 4 Common Methods For Determining The Minister’s Salary:
Factors that impact the minister’s salary package:
A pastor’s salary should therefore not be a figure plucked out of thin air but a product of careful study, much consideration and a lot of prayer by those tasked to determine it.
Some say the original purpose of the tithe is to feed (provide for) pastors and to fund the church. What is the purpose of the tithe today?
We all have a radically generous God. It’s not impossible to begin building a culture of generosity when God is the source! He will supply!
How can we grow faithful stewards in the church? Follow God’s way and begin to plant your life and become the first faithful steward, then let God take over!
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