I hope there’s enough and I hope you pay
your pastor adequately (1 Timothy 5.17, 18).
Without a proper salary he will worry about
his family bills and that is bound to affect his
ministry adversely. Churches who underpay
their preacher tend to suffer spiritually. The
‘keep him poor, keep him humble’ attitude
in some churches is appalling.
John Benton, Editor
But, visiting various places, I have become
aware that some churches are facing financial problems – and they are not the type of
church you would expect to be in difficulties. They are generally growing churches. I
have heard it said that the optimum church
size financially is one of around 80 members – one pastor to support and volunteers
doing what they can. It is when churches go
beyond that threshold that expenses per capita
rise steeply. More staff may be required
(not
least for administration), maybe the
building needs to be enlarged, or a new
kitchen is required. Perhaps more people are
offering themselves for Bible College or the
mission field.
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The Editorial
Facing the finances
How’s the money in your church?
I hope there’s enough and I hope you pay your pastor adequately (1 Timothy 5.17, 18). Without a proper salary he will worry about his family bills and that is bound to affect his ministry adversely. Churches who underpay their preacher tend to suffer spiritually. The ‘keep him poor, keep him humble’ attitude in some churches is appalling.
But, visiting various places, I have become aware that some churches are facing financial problems – and they are not the type of church you would expect to be in difficulties. They are generally growing churches. I have heard it said that the optimum church size financially is one of around 80 members – one pastor to support and volunteers doing what they can. It is when churches go beyond that threshold that expenses per capita rise steeply. More staff may be required (not least for administration), maybe the building needs to be enlarged, or a new kitchen is required. Perhaps more people are offering themselves for Bible College or the mission field.
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