What Does the Bible Say About Preachers Asking for Money?

The Bible provides guidance on financial matters in ministry, including preachers asking for money. It acknowledges the right of ministers to receive support for their work but emphasizes integrity, willingness, and accountability. The New Testament suggests that those who preach the gospel should get their living from the gospel, but without exploiting their position. It also stresses the importance of generosity and giving freely. The Bible encourages preachers to trust in God’s provision and to prioritize spiritual wealth over financial gain. This approach balances the practical needs of ministry with a heart and attitude focused on serving God and people, not personal profit.

Wondering about preachers and money matters? The Bible has a balanced and insightful approach. Explore what it says about the financial support of ministers and the integrity that should accompany it.

What Does the Bible Say About Preachers Asking for Money?

When it comes to preachers and money, the Bible has a nuanced view.

Let’s get something clear: the Bible doesn’t say it’s wrong for preachers to be supported financially. In fact, it acknowledges that those who work in preaching and teaching are entitled to earn a living from it. Think of it as fair compensation for their labor.

But here’s where it gets interesting. The Bible puts a big emphasis on how this financial support is managed. It’s all about the heart and motive. A preacher’s primary goal should always be to serve God and the people, not to amass wealth.

Paul, in the New Testament, is a prime example. He had the right to financial support but often chose not to use it to avoid burdening others and to set an example. He wanted to keep the focus on the gospel, not money.

Now, about asking for money. The Bible cautions against greed and manipulation. It warns of false preachers who are more interested in profit than in God’s message. This doesn’t mean every preacher asking for financial support is out of line, but it does mean there should be transparency, accountability, and a clear focus on the gospel.

God’s view? It seems He’s more concerned with how money is used and the attitude behind it. Generosity is encouraged, but so is wisdom and discernment. The Bible promotes giving freely and cheerfully, not under compulsion or with ulterior motives.

So, preachers and money? It’s a delicate balance. It’s about meeting practical needs but doing so with integrity, generosity, and a steadfast focus on the spiritual mission.

Bible Verses About Preachers Asking for Money

1. 1 Timothy 5:17-18 – “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.'” This supports fair compensation for church leaders.
2. 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse emphasizes the attitude behind giving – it should be voluntary and joyful.
3. 1 Corinthians 9:14 – “In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” Paul asserts the right of preachers to receive financial support.
4. Acts 20:33-35 – Paul says, “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.” This highlights Paul’s approach to financial support – he often worked to support himself.
5. Matthew 10:8 – “Freely you have received; freely give.” Jesus’ instruction to his disciples emphasizes the principle of generosity in ministry.
6. 2 Corinthians 2:17 – “Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” This warns against using ministry for personal gain.
7. 1 Peter 5:2 – “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.” This instructs leaders to serve willingly, not for dishonest gain.
8. Philippians 4:17 – “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” Paul emphasizes his desire for the spiritual benefit of the givers over the gifts themselves.
9. 3 John 1:5-8 – “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you… We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.” This passage speaks to supporting those in ministry as a partnership in the truth.
10. Luke 16:11 – “So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” This verse underlines the importance of integrity in handling financial matters.
11. Titus 1:7 – “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.” This highlights the character that should be exemplified by church leaders, especially in the context of financial integrity.
12. Acts 18:3 – “Because he [Paul] was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.” This verse demonstrates Paul’s practice of supporting himself through his trade to avoid being a financial burden on the church.
13. 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9 – “Nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.” Paul emphasizes the principle of working to support oneself, even though as a preacher, he had the right to financial support.
14. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 – “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” This suggests a systematic and planned approach to giving, which ensures that the needs of the ministry are met without undue pressure on the congregation.
15. 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 – “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” Paul speaks about the importance of handling church finances in a way that is beyond reproach.
16. Galatians 6:6 – “Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.” This indicates that those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, suggesting a mutual support within the community of believers.
17. Luke 10:7 – “Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.” Jesus’ instruction to His disciples as they ministered indicates that those who work for the gospel have a right to receive sustenance and support from those they serve.
18. 1 Timothy 3:3 – “Not a lover of money.” This qualification for church leaders underlines the importance of having the right attitude towards money, prioritizing spiritual over material wealth.
19. Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” This teaching of Jesus emphasizes the potential conflict between devotion to God and the pursuit of wealth.
20. 2 Peter 2:3 – “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” Peter warns against false teachers who use their position for financial gain, exploiting believers.

These verses collectively underscore a biblical perspective that while financial support for preachers is justified, it must be handled with integrity, selflessness, and a primary focus on serving God and the community. The Bible promotes a balanced approach where the financial needs of ministry are met without compromising the spiritual mission or exploiting the congregation.