Should a Christian Minister Be Paid?

William Hendriksen summarises Paul’s approach on this question with the following key points:

1. Avoiding the Appearance of Greed In Titus 1:11, Paul strongly rejects being grouped with “vain talkers” who are motivated by money.

   
   

2. Right to Remuneration In 1 Corinthians 9:6–15, Paul firmly asserts his right to receive payment from the church for his spiritual work, even from the converts themselves (especially verse 11). However, he chooses not to exercise this right with the converts (verse 15).

   
   

3. No Greedy Motives In Acts 20:33, Paul can honestly say, “I coveted no man’s silver, gold, or apparel.

   
   

4. Occasional Support from Established Churches At times, Paul “takes wages” from already established churches while working in new mission fields (2 Corinthians 11:8), and accepts gifts from churches such as Philippi (Philippians 4:10–20).

   
   

5. Supporting Himself Through Labor More often, Paul supports himself (and even others) by working with his own hands (Acts 20:34–35; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8). His trade is tent-making (Acts 18:3).

   
   

6. Principle of Using Rights Wisely Paul consistently applies the principle that “all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful” (1 Corinthians 6:12; 8:9, 13; 9:12; 10:23). Although he has the right to be paid, he asks: What will best promote the kingdom of God?

   
   

7. Criticism Regardless of Choice Despite his careful approach, Paul faces criticism either way - if he accepts money, he is accused of greed; if he refuses, he is accused of pride (2 Corinthians 11:7).

   
   

8. Dignity of Labor Paul, empowered by the Holy Spirit, upholds the dignity of work and declares: “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (1 Corinthians 4:12; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8, 10).

   
   

(Summary adapted from the New Testament Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 2:9)