Tent Making, or More?
October 13, 2001
Over the past decade or so, a lot of discussion about ministry has been about whether or not ministers should be tent makers or fully supported. As we are aware, in many denominations, including our own, financial conditions seem to encourage the support of the ‘tent making’ or ‘self funding’ ministry. Some denominations operate solely with ministers who are employed in some work or business and who minister during other time. Some operate with some portions of support from the church while other comes from other ventures. We have ventured into this, as our income has dropped, and as some areas have become unable to fully support a pastor. Some have had to take reduced salary and have the freedom to earn otherwise from other sources to support their families. In the midst of this discussion, some voices have risen in loud support of the idea of all ministry being of the ‘tent making’ variety. I’ve heard it; probably, so have you. Many look to scripture and find some support for both a tent-making ministry and a fully supported ministry. However, in looking to scripture, above all, we want to see the will of God.
As we come, in our study of the chapters of 1 Corinthians, to chapter 9, we find this subject rising to a crescendo and Paul discussing both the current reality for himself and the ideal that God had in mind. The key to understanding what Paul wrote lies in a series of uses of the same word that begins its use in the previous chapter, which we looked at some months ago, now.
1 Cor. 8. 9- remember that this chapter discussed the reality of one God and that others that were called gods were not really. However, some had a conscience issue and Paul cautioned them, and us, to be careful about using our freedom or liberty in any way to hurt others who might not fully understand this reality.
So, in this verse, we find that word ‘liberty’, which can be rendered, equally, right, freedom, or power, and I want you to begin a connection that flows into the next chapter. Paul carefully used this word, and explains how freedom that exists, or rights that exist, can be softened at the instigation of the holder of those rights.
So, if you’d like, circle that word in chapter 8, and then we’ll read on from there and begin into chapter 9.
1 Cor. 9. 1- let’s read the first few verses down to verse 12, for now. Having read, let’s go back and circle every time that word is used and, if you’d like to do as I have, connect these uses with a line. (Go through this exercise- v. 4, 5, 6, twice in v. 12.) There’s a final use of this word in v. 18.
From all this, we learn that Paul, as minister, had certain rights, freedoms, or powers, but that there was some sort of conflict that existed so he, by his choice, did not use those rights that were his. So, he supported himself, in ministry, in other ways and through other people, in order not to put any sort of burden on these people. He thought the burden might be one that would stand in the way of the preaching of the gospel.
This is one of the passages people turn to in order to support a ‘tent-making ministry’. However, we have to appreciate that this is not the idea for ministry.
Look at v. 13 and 14- we see what ‘the Lord has ordained’! This is important and an important place to return to in the discussion, which can be an emotional one and which can be one we can be side-tracked in by circumstances. I believe this has happened in our churches to some degree and believe this is a good time, as we look at this chapter, to discuss this a bit.
Some are emphasizing, in their thinking, the ‘ministry of all believers’ and assuming that ministry and ministers means exactly the same. Some, too, are remembering anything they may not like or have liked about a, or some, ministers. Some, too, assume a certain correctness of the approach of many churches with regard to paying their ministers. There are a lot of assumptions and incomplete thoughts in the discussion that elevates ‘tent making’ ministry to be the ideal. (This is the same as the discussions that seem to intimate that the ideal for the church is without organization, whereas the scriptural record speaks about having elders in all cities, worship, and keeping people in remembrance, which implies sermons. Even 1 Cor. 14 tells us that things are to be done with organization, not simply ‘flying by the seat of the pants’. Some call it ‘flying by the Holy Spirit’, but are missing a lot of the message by throwing out that kind of verbiage, as if the Spirit is completely willy-nilly in his operation.)
In our circles, we talk a lot about local budgets and evangelism. I can feel ‘guilty’ that I’m the main item in the budget, and I DO look forward to the day that isn’t the case. However, ministers are not to feel guilty about being paid, in 2001. This is not a matter for guilt.
Let me read to you from a book, published over 25 years ago, which discusses some of these issues in a way that can be helpful for us all, and which can help us to renew our appreciation for what God really wants of us. The book is entitled “Creating an Intentional Ministry”, and is edited by John Biersdorf.
I will read about 3 pages that leapt out at me when I first read them about a year ago. Particularly, in the context of our church, where some of my peers have to face an incredibly difficult reality, this seemed to be a voice, from an entirely different speaker, urging something better.
READ
The reality is that all of us have responsibility. We all know the truth that it’s not good for people to get ‘something for nothing’. We all don’t want that for our children and recognize the problems that can arise from that (over Thanksgiving Dinner, I heard an incredible story about a woman and her 21 year old son that seemed to be used to getting something for nothing- not good for him!) We can, easily, drop our responsibilities if we think that some other answer is better.
When we came to understand the reality of the presence of the NC, Mr. Tkach believed that income would rise. He believed that people, moved by the fullness of the Holy Spirit, would rise above what they might have done when legally required. This is not what we have seen in our church since, as we know, and that may have been an unrealistic expectation, in light of the high level of giving that we did do. Our people are doing a fabulous job in giving, even yet, evidencing a high level of commitment to their church and a high desire for their church to continue to be their nurturing community. All may not be doing this, and all may not feel such. This message is not to stir more giving; it is meant to correct or challenge what can be some wrong thinking.
The idea of ministers being about the lowest paid of professionals is wrong. Ministers ARE professionals, like a university professor, a doctor, a psychiatrist, an engineer, a businessman, and so on. It’s good for us to realize something of what we get through having ministry. And it’s better for us to understand God’s ideal.
In the life of Paul, we do find that sometimes he was fully supported while at other times he supported himself. We can understand why he made the choices he did in some cases. We have to appreciate that it was a choice made out of the reality of the rights he actually had. The ideal is one way- that there be fully support. From that godly ideal, though, individuals have an opportunity to make other choices in order to advance ministry in an area.
I must admit that I’ve read on the subject of ‘tent-making ministry’ and have tried to rationalize it in my mind. I have difficulty with that, because that is, first of all, not the reality I have known. But, even more, understanding the strains and pressures of ministry, alone, it’s hard to imagine doing it on a part-time basis. I see the loss that comes with that, and know that is true in those areas where our pastors have had to go that way. There have been losses to them and their families; there have been losses to the congregations. Oh, I know we can recognize the gains, too, where congregations become more involved, as they should always have been, but it’s a brutal curriculum to use to come to that. God is accomplishing that otherwise in many other areas.
Where new works are beginning, sometimes the individuals involved with those new works begin doing it on a part-time basis, even without remuneration, although their expenses should always be covered from somewhere. If there is godly growth, then eventually, in many situations, full support becomes possible and other sources of work income can be let go. This is a tremendous situation. In others, growth doesn’t come to that level, but a person might feel the ongoing desire to work under those conditions.
Jesus was the greatest minister of all time! His was the most important ministry of all time! I think you’ll agree on that. Jesus, in his ministry, was supported, somehow. He declared that this was appropriate- Matt. 10.10. He didn’t have to have his mind in two directions. That would not have been the ideal. He declared that it’s impossible to serve two masters. It’s always hard to hold two competing interests in proper balance. Christ had a mission and He fulfilled it single-mindedly. He gives missions to people today and tells us the ideal, from His Father, through the apostle Paul.
As we look toward the Lord’s Table today, let’s celebrate ministry that Jesus did and began, and that He continues to do through all of us, ministering to one another. Within this, we can appreciate leadership that He gives us, and which I appreciate for myself, for sure. God’s family gets a lot done. Ministry occurs in many different ways.
