Modern day pastors are generally known to ask for more than they really deserve. It’s not surprising to hear men of the cloth openly requesting for better pay, luxurious houses, good treatment, cars, and even insurance covers. To an extent, being a pastor today is more of a profession than it is a calling — no wonder why they ask for more than they should.
Paying pastors for their services and to support their upkeep as they spread the word of God may not be quite an issue of contention, but when it reaches a point whereby the pastors start pushing the church to request the congregants to go a notch higher and pay for the pastor’s birthday or marriage anniversary, it is absolutely an issue of contention.
Being a pastor is a calling. They are ordained to spread the word of God and to guide the congregation in their Christian walk. Jesus too ordained His apostles and sent them out with clear guidelines. He said ‘’ Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons;freely you received, freely give. Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.’’
So according to Jesus, pastors should not ask for luxuries, but their focus should be on spreading the news about God’s kingdom. Paul emphasizes that ‘’We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.’’
