Preachers: Salary, Finances and Benefits #4
Before reading this post, I would you to take a moment and
In this post I want to share some tidbits which many do not consider regarding preachers and finances. These short tidbits should not only be considered not only by preachers, but also by elders, hiring committees and anyone involved in the ministry or hiring process.
Other topics regarding finances will be covered through the month of May. Topics like giving, health insurance, retirement, taxes and others will be written as separate posts.
Here are some random considerations of salary, finances and benefits:
Life Insurance
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Preachers need to take care of their families in case of their passing from this life. Without notice a preacher (just as anyone) can leave this world only to have their families scrambling to pick up the pieces. While some companies provide life insurance in the benefit package, I have yet to meet a congregation who provided a life insurance benefit.
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I would encourage ministers to purchase life insurance from the start of their ministry. In the event of death the death benefit will assist in taking care of his family, paying the bills, paying off debt and other situations a grieving family is going to have.
Disability Insurance
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Most preachers do not consider disability insurance as something to purchase due to the fact most preachers do not have a labor intense ministry, but a preacher should consider disability insurance.
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A preacher’s eyes and voice is the lifeblood to his ministry. Not to be morbid, but a preacher can lose a limb, or an eye and maintain his ministry, but the loss of his eyesight or his voice will be a huge factor in his ministry. I would ask preachers to consider major disability insurance in their planning.
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Personal note: I know of preachers who are blind and even heard of those who have lost their voice and maintain a powerful ministry of speaking (for those that are blind) and writing (for those who lost their voice). It is possible to continue to have a major effect on people’s lives, but let us be sure to consider some disability insurance.
Debt Avoidance
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Many preachers who attend colleges and universities are graduating with piles of debt. While others are graduating with mounds of school debt as well, many other professions have a higher pay scale than ministry. With this being said, I would encourage ministers to take a personal finance class to take better control of their finances before they even begin their career. Classes from Dave Ramsey and Steve Diggs would benefit preachers and their families.
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Since college, I have thought colleges, universities and schools of preaching would do well to require their students to take a personal finance class to better themselves to handle money; as they graduate with debt.
Just some thoughts,
Quotes on the Ministry and Preaching
“One man … called to God is worth a hundred who have elected to work for God.”
—Oswald Chambers
”If a man is called to preach the Gospel, God will crush him till the light of the eye, the power of the life, the ambition of the heart, is all riveted on Himself. That is not done easily. It is not a question of saintliness, it has to do with the Call of God.”
—Oswald Chambers
“Many preachers are good tailors spoiled, and capital shoe makers turned out of their proper calling. When God means a creature to fly, he gives it wings, and when he intends men to preach he gives them abilities.”
—Charles Spurgeon
”I knew an old minister once.… How I envy him.… I am listed as a famous home-runner, yet beside that obscure minister, who was so good and so wise, I never got to first base.”
—Babe Ruth
Source:
Morgan, R. J. (2000). Nelson’s complete book of stories, illustrations, and quotes (electronic ed.) (86). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Just some thoughts,
My Greatest Compliment was not a Compliment
Critics can beat us down and destroy the work we are doing…or they can provide us with greatness.
I choose the second. Often critics are those we have either annoyed or offend and sometimes we have done so by telling them the truth. The old adage of, “The truth hurts.” has been the cause of angry critics for years. Even Jesus had critics while He walked the earth; namely the Pharisees, scribes, and Sadducees. Paul had critics, even those of his own countrymen. (2 Corinthians 11.23-28)
As ministers of the gospel, you and I will have critics who seek to point out every mistake, every misspoken word and those who will get angry with the truth. While their words may mean cut our hearts and in some cases, destroy our ministry, they also provide us with a check to our lives.
The problem of many is not the messenger, but the message. The message seeks to move individuals from a worldly view to a life filled with Christ, but many may never be filled. Their satisfaction with worldly pleasures choke the truth of the message and they seek to tear down the messenger.
One of the greatest compliments was never meant to be a compliment, instead it was said with apathy and frustration. The words showed where my preaching and ministry reside. As I sat and listened the man said,
“Well I guess I can say I have never heard you say anything wrong. All your messages are from the Bible.”
Without any more words, I knew the message had an effect. It was nothing I said, but what God had already said. The truth of the message had its effect.
My friends, do not let the critics bring you down, but let their words remind you of the truth you are presenting.
Care you share one of your greatest compliments?
Just my thoughts,
Gospel Meeting–Day #5 (Peytona, WV)
The picture above is of the Drawdy Falls located west of the church building and hidden back from the road.
Tonight, the meeting in Peytona ended with a lesson on the Christian’s “Strength in Battle” from Ephesians 6.10-18. A copy of the lesson is below:
Here are the outlines handed out throughout the week. To view and download the outlines, click the outline link and they will open on your computer. You may also “right-click” on the link and choose “Save as…”
Personal note:
I want to thank the congregation in Peytona, your support for the meeting, your constant encouragement and your love shown to us. My family and I are blessed to have spiritual family in Peytona.
My family and I wish God’s richest blessings on the congregation. If we never meet again this side of heaven, I will see you there.
Thanks again for your hospitality and care for my family and I.
Just my thoughts,
Gospel Meeting–Day #4 (Peytona, WV)
I am not like many, I believe gospel meetings have a place in the work of the church. Anytime there is an opportunity to speak of God’s word to an audience it should be taken with full joy and assurance that someone’s life might be changed through the preaching of God’s word.
Tonight’s attendance was almost the same as Sunday morning. Very impressive for a small congregation.
Here is the lesson presented this evening:
Just my thoughts,
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