Comments from others:
Hi, I heard you on The Byte Show. I am really blessed by your words!
I know now, after you confirming what we had thought, that God is preparing us for the tribulation. It's very hard though, isn't it?
We must take up our cross and lose our life that we may gain our lives. God is purging so much out of our lives too, through trials and repentance.
Also, you said that pastors shouldn't be paid. I have always agreed, but we read something the other day in scripture that said some should be paid. I'll have to email you again since my husband knows exactly where he read that at. Thanks for taking time to read my email! Wendy
-Pastors are simply to be elders among the other elders (overseers), not Lords over God's heritage. The typical pastor should be a working man who supports himself and the weak and needy, as Paul admonished and role-modeled for the leaders.
Never in God's New Testament are pastors given sole authority over an assembly, or a command to take tithes or a salary from God's people. Those who do have been corrupted (leavened) by the Harlot, apostate church.
ANY elder who dedicates his life to prayer and ministry of the Word, and meeting the physical needs of the brethren has a scriptural expectation to partake of the flock. God will see his needs are met, when they live by faith. They will never need to extort tithes, gifts, "faith partners", salaries, or manipulate God's people into "giving".
Look at Matthew 10:7-10 as Jesus sent the disciples out to preach and manifest the Kingdom of God:
In Acts 20 Paul told the Ephesian elders (pastors are one of the gifts of ministry, and are never singled out for being hired, salaried, or tithed to, and they are to be elders, i.e. seasoned men of faith) to work with their hands as Paul did as an example while he was with them for 3 years. (apostles are also called elders, prophets and teachers should be elders too) Pastors are not to be exalted above any other of the five-fold ministry in the church, prophets and teachers.
There is no scriptural example or command for a pastor to be the solo church "leader". -which is the "Nicolaitane error" form of church government that Jesus said "THIS I HATE".
Also see 2Cor 3 and 11 and pay close attention to Pauls sacrificial ministry. He did the same in Thessalonica 2Thess 3:
7) For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; (by not working)
8) neither did we eat bread for nought at any man`s hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you:
9) not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves and ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us. (pastors too)
10) For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat. no pastoral exception mentioned :)
Is building buildings, creating bigger staff, and administrating more money building God's kingdom?
"And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give.
Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses;
no wallet for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food."
We are in the time that nice buildings organizations, and money are percieved as signs of God's blessing.
Neither Jesus or His disciple ever said those outward things were signs of blessing. The scriptural manifestation of the kingdom of God is when demons are cast out, the sick healed, people receive the Holy Ghost and are baptized.
From there they should learn to exercise faith in the promises of scripture and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
"And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give.
Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses;
no wallet for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food."
