“Use my tithe for anything but the pastor’s salary.”
One of the counters found those words scrawled on an offering envelope one Sunday. He didn’t tell me whose envelope it was, and I didn’t ask. But it seemed pretty certain who it was pointed at. I was the only pastor.
It’s amazing how some people will try to control the church and the pastor through their offerings. And it’s depressing how often we let it work.
I tried not to let it bother me. For one thing, it couldn’t really affect my salary, as general offerings all went into one account. And as I didn’t know who the person was or what they were unhappy about, there was nothing I could do to try to please them. I reminded myself that I was doing the best I could to follow God, and he would take care of me; God was my source, not church folks. Still, even while I laughed about it with other pastors, it wasn’t the most encouraging note I ever received.
Jesus promised, Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need (Matthew 6:33 NLT). Paul, who had proven it in his own ministry, said the same thing in different words to the church in Philippi: I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me . . . And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:18–19 NLT).
Many pastors quote these verses to their members who are going through hard times, but we sometimes forget they apply to churches as well. In fact, Paul’s words were addressed to a church. So never let anyone hold your church hostage. The next time someone tries to control you through their giving, let them know they are not your source. God is. And there is no limit to his resources.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (Ephesians 3:20 NLT).
Thank you, Pastor, for your perseverance and grace in dealing with the too-often immature people who inhabit our congregations. Thank you for answering God’s call to this work when you probably could have made a lot more money for yourself and your family by doing something else. Thank you for your faith in God to provide all you need in this life, and for the treasures you are storing up in heaven.
Let me pray for you:
Lord God, I thank you for the pastor reading this right now. I pray you will bless them with mature Christian congregational leaders who will support and encourage their pastor. I pray you will provide both pastor and church with abundant provision for carrying out your purposes for them. Let them find renewed hope, joy, and fulfillment in the ministry to which you have called them. I pray in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, whose church it is. Amen!
The above is from the Thank You, Pastor! e-letter of January 24, 2024. To subscribe to the bi-weekly e-letter, please click on one of the following: I have access to Amazon I do not have access to Amazon
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