A couple of people have already pointed out that how the money is used plays a big part in people’s enthusiasm to give. In big churches it’s easy to see “waste”, but in smaller churches where people experience the benefits of having the minister work f/t, and know that he’s a good steward of his finances then I don’t think the “institutional skepticism” is a big issue. Of course, as the church grows…

Also, if Paul could see the benefits of remaining single because he/she can be more dedicated to the work of the kingdom (1 Cor. 7:32-35), then the same logic seems relevant to paid church ministers.

The answer is likely somewhere between extremes and should be a point of tension in plantings since ‘What we win them with, is what we win them to.’

You said, “But for a struggling young professional who is up to her eyeballs in debt, sacrificial generosity may be less than that. I can’t in good conscience implore my recently disconnected friends to begin giving 10% because that’s the rule when it might ruin them financially…especially when a big part of the reason I’m asking is so that my family doesn’t experience financial ruin. It’s awkward. Maybe that’s lack of faith on my part.”

I think this gets to the heart of the discernment issue. Rather than just worrying about our own financial needs, discernment means we need to consider the burden we are placing on others if we are to ask them for support. I have been supported f/t in local church work by both the congregation and outside sourses. The outside sources came from people whom God had blessed financially and out of a generous heart, were therefore able to give for the cause of Christ. However, it has become painfully obvious that receiving f/t support on from the local church I serve now is straining the congregation.

I believe the challenge for all of us, whether our financial support comes from church(es) or through bi-vocational employment, is to not be driven my the desire for money. Of course, this is always a temptation. For some, Satan uses the fear of financial ruin and poverty to get us prioritizing money. For others, Satan uses the lust for material goods. Yet others, the need for future security. And so on…

—

Any ways, my family and I are in transition. We are actually planning to move to Denver and work with Hobby and Jeri Chapin in church planting. This of course, will mean that I will be bi-vocational. It is a step of faith.

Grace and peace,

Rex

I think that’s where the “leech” characterization was born. Not on the frontlines, among the poor, at the edge of personal poverty, in the deep urban needs of the city of God.

It can be difficult to accept the grace of others with grace – those who want their gifts to support God’s work through you, because you know who you are and you’re not perfect and you’re indebted to them and you might someday/will someday let them down.

Just keep in mind Who your benefactors really believe in; and in Whose bank they are depositing their gifts. (Philippians 4:10-18).

I’m convinced that the reason it’s a tough line to walk is that God wants to keep us on our toes.

As I’ve reflected on this topic this week, I’ve grown more thankful for the support provided to us by our partnering churches. We couldn’t do it without them. I wouldn’t change a thing. I think there’s huge benefit in financial support to help churches get off the ground before there is a church there to support itself. I’m only wondering what support looks like when the church has come into existence.

As for working example of an organic church without funding or paid staff: Neil Cole’s churches all fit that category. None of them start with any funding and usually do not have paid staff. You can check more out at http://www.cmaresources.org.

Granted, it’s easier for such ‘simple churches’ to do so because they aren’t networked in the way we are. I think the lack of stability / continuity in such simple churches is too much of a liability not to network more closely. The need for funding increases the more tightly networked ‘simple churches’ are with one another (e.g., through worship gatherings, events, administration, etc.)

I can understand the predicament. It would probably not be wise to expect a full-time salary from a small number of people, but I see no problem with some assistance from those you are serving at a point. Motivations mean everything here. You aren’t serving them for the money; and those you serve will most likely see that and in-turn, should understand you need funds to put food on the table. The LORD will certainly provide, and in most cases he uses His People as the means to achieve the provisions, in one way or another

I also completely see the validity in working outside of your ministry for various reasons (being a part of the community as well as it being an income source), but there could be a danger in burnout if it takes too much of your time and/or your ministry could suffer because of preparation time being taken away. I don’t know this for sure, maybe you or someone reading this blog has done research into this, but I’m sure Paul didn’t make tents from 9 to 5 and just preached at night, and it is significant that the only instruction to Timothy Paul gives is yes, the worker (preacher/teacher) deserves his wages (as you cited).

Is there a working example of an organic church that never received source funding and doesn’t have a paid minister (part-time or full-time) supported by the group of believers?

One of my own questions becomes how to interact within the community as I seek to reestablish my campus ministry. I still don’t think I have that figured out yet, but I am wanting to learn how to build intentional (random) relationships. One thought I have had is joining the Air National Guard as a chaplain; that way I can interact with people across the age spectrum and be intentional in my secondary career choice.

Ok, I am rambling. Thanks again for your thoughts. I am praying for you guys.