Money and ministry have always been a sensitive topic.
Some preachers ask for financial support with integrity, while others use their position to take advantage of people.
This has led many to question whether it is right for preachers to ask for money.
Does the Bible support this practice, or does it warn against it?
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of God’s people giving generously to support His work.
At the same time, the Bible strongly warns against greed, dishonesty, and using religion for personal gain.
So where should we draw the line?
Let’s take a deep dive into what the Bible really says about preachers asking for money.
The Bible Encourages Giving to Support Ministry
Giving has always been a part of worship.
In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to bring tithes and offerings to support the priests and maintain the temple.
Numbers 18:21 says, “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.”
This shows that those who dedicated their lives to serving God were provided for through the giving of others.
In the New Testament, Jesus and His disciples were also supported by those who believed in their ministry.
Luke 8:3 mentions “Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
Paul, one of the most influential early church leaders, also taught about supporting those who preach the gospel.
In 1 Corinthians 9:14, he wrote, “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”
This makes it clear that there is nothing wrong with preachers receiving financial support from those who benefit from their ministry.
Giving Should Be Voluntary, Not Forced
While the Bible encourages believers to give, it also emphasizes that giving should be voluntary, not pressured.
2 Corinthians 9:7 states, “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 means that preachers should never manipulate or pressure people into giving.
God wants giving to be an act of love, not something done out of guilt or fear.
When a preacher demands money or suggests that blessings can only come through giving, they are misusing Scripture.
Jesus never pressured people into giving.
He simply taught the importance of generosity and trusted God to provide.
Beware of Preachers Who Preach for Profit
The Bible contains strong warnings against those who use ministry as a way to get rich.
In 1 Timothy 6:5, Paul warns about false teachers “who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
He goes on to say in verse 10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Money itself is not evil, but when preachers become obsessed with wealth, their hearts turn away from God.
Jesus warned against this kind of greed.
In Matthew 6:24, He said, “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.”
When a preacher’s main focus becomes money instead of God, their ministry loses its true purpose.
Paul Worked to Avoid Being a Financial Burden
Paul, one of the greatest preachers in history, often chose to support himself rather than rely on donations.
In Acts 18:3, we learn that Paul was a tentmaker.
He worked with his hands so that he would not be a financial burden to those he preached to.
In 2 Thessalonians 3:8, he writes, “We worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.”
Paul believed that while preachers had a right to financial support, they should also be willing to work if necessary.
This shows a heart of humility and service, rather than entitlement.
Today, some pastors work regular jobs while leading churches, following Paul’s example.
Others are supported full-time by their congregations, which is also biblical.
The key is that their financial needs should never become more important than their calling to serve.
Jesus Condemned Religious Leaders Who Exploit Others
One of Jesus’ strongest criticisms was against religious leaders who used their position for personal gain.
In Matthew 23:14, He says, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Therefore you will be punished more severely.”
Jesus saw how some leaders took advantage of the vulnerable, pretending to be holy while secretly being greedy.
Unfortunately, this still happens today.
Some preachers live in extreme luxury while asking their followers—many of whom are struggling financially—to give more and more.
This is not what God intended.
A true servant of God should never take advantage of those they are called to serve.
What About the Prosperity Gospel?
The “prosperity gospel” is a teaching that claims God wants every believer to be wealthy and that giving to a preacher or church will guarantee financial blessings.
While the Bible does talk about God blessing His people, it never promises that everyone who follows Him will be rich.
Jesus Himself lived a simple life, and many of His followers faced hardship and persecution.
In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus warned, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
If wealth was the ultimate sign of God’s blessing, then Jesus and His disciples would have been the richest people on earth.
Instead, they focused on eternal rewards, not earthly riches.
While it is good to give generously, people should never give under the false belief that they are “buying” God’s blessings.
The Right Way for Preachers to Ask for Money
When done with integrity, asking for financial support is not wrong.
However, there are biblical guidelines for how it should be done.
Preachers should be honest and transparent about how money is used.
In 2 Corinthians 8:20-21, Paul says, “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.”
This means that churches and ministries should be open about their finances, ensuring that money is used wisely.
Giving should be encouraged, but never demanded.
Believers should be taught to give cheerfully and generously, but without pressure.
Preachers should trust God for provision, rather than using manipulative tactics to get money.
When a ministry is truly from God, He will provide for it through the willing generosity of His people.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear that preachers can receive financial support, but they should never make money their focus.
Giving should always be voluntary, done with a cheerful heart, and used wisely.
God warns against those who exploit others for financial gain, and He calls His servants to lead with humility and integrity.
While it is good to support churches and ministries, believers should be wise in where they give, ensuring that their donations are used for God’s work, not for personal greed.
At the end of the day, God is the ultimate provider.
A faithful ministry does not need to rely on manipulation—it can trust that God will move the hearts of His people to give.