What About Other Church Workers, Should They Be Paid?
Believe it or not, the answer to this actually depends on the type of church that we are dealing with. If we are dealing with the popular African personality leader, whose "church" is all about him and his "anointing". Then it means people are coming to that gathering because of him, and anything that is emptied from the offering basket will primarily fund his lavish lifestyle. Such is not really a church but a business enterprise. Therefore, it’s only fair that all his church workers benefit and are paid according to their labour. They have a right to protest about the unfairness of compensating the leaders while they are ignored. Because the ultimate goal of their papa is to be rich and famous, why then would he ignore the very people who are instrumental to the success of his empire?
On the other hand, if we are dealing with the ideal New Testament type of church, with Biblical elders whose goal is not to draw attention to themselves, but to humbly shepherd the flock of Christ and genuine desire to see sinners saved. Such kind of a parish is not driven by financial gain, therefore, anyone who serves in that gathering, be it to sweep the floor or to lead worship, cannot expect to be paid. Because they understand that is not what it’s about. Throughout history, the true Church has always survived through the voluntary service of its members. A people who understand that Gospel service is not about enriching ourselves, but pouring our lives for the eternal good of others.
Nonetheless, depending on the economic status of the assembly, the congregation can and must look out for the needy among its members, including unemployed church workers. That is what we see in Acts Chapter 6, for example.
Still, some people are not satisfied with this. According to them, if the church gives money to its leaders, how is it fair that other church workers are denied the same right. The reality though, is that Scripture puts the ministry of the Word in a distinct category on its own. That is, those who labour in the ministry of the Word are the ones who have the Biblical warrant of being materially supported by the people of God (1 Tim 5:17-18, Gal 6:6). That is how the Lord values the preaching ministry. It cannot be classified with any other ministry work.
Here is where this whole problem started: the Church wanted to be relevant to the world; to attract unbelievers so they could come and “enjoy” church. They then came up with the entertainment strategy. That required that they recruit the best talent to do the “praise and worship” performance, and guess where they looked for that talent? The world of course. Anyone who had some skill in singing or playing the instrument could qualify, regardless of whether they were saved or not. That is where the issue of paying the keyboard man became a factor. I mean, think about it: if there is no one among us talented enough to do a good stage performance, and when you find that somebody from the outside, obviously you have to pay them. That is the definition of the word “hireling.”
However, if the church goes back to the pure preaching of the Word, people will become saved, and there won’t be a need for us to impress unbelievers in our services, instead, we will all come to the local assembly humbly seeking the Lord. Given a chance to serve as church treasurers, deacons and worship leaders, we will do it willingly and gladly, just as anyone who has benefitted from the free gift of grace would do. Having said this, I am only compelled to end by belabouring this point: if a believer is serving among us who is economically challenged, it is the duty of the church to consider them, and aid them where they can; be it with skills training, school fees, or even direct monetary support – all dependant on the Church’s overall economic status. I believe the church has always been a hospital for its poor members throughout history. That is my take on this. Salute.
Sinothi Ncube
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