"Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain". 1 Corinthians. 3:18-20

I have heard people ask; if a congregation were large enough wouldn't it be appropriate for the ministry to receive a salary? Wouldn't a salaried ministry benefit their congregation be freeing the ministry to visit the sick and infirmed? Wouldn't salaried ministry benefit the congregation? Paul was a tentmaker before he was called to the ministry. Fishermen and tax collectors were among the vocations of those whom our Lord called to be apostles in the primitive church. Are these facts recorded in scripture as mere trivia? In the 18th chapter of the book of Acts the third verse lets us see that the Apostle Paul did not forsake working his occupation.

How does worldly wisdom harmonize with Hoy Scripture? Consider the text below: "Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed" (2 Thessalonians 3:10). What do scriptures say not working will promote? Scripture indicates that those that forsake working tend to be "busybodies"? Does this scripture validate the assertion that those freed from gainful employment would do be more productive? If I read the scripture correctly it says that these tend to be "disorderly, not working at all".

Is it a salaried ministry that is the source of all comfort? Scripture tells us that God the Father is the source of all comfort. Does scripture hint of the fact that the salaried minister is able to comfort us in all our tribulation? Scripture tells us that it is God the Father of all mercies who comforts us in all our tribulation. Without God's comfort no man is able to any that are in trouble (2 Corinthians 1:4). I grant you that the salaried ministry is not mentioned in this text but rather the source of all comfort and mercies which is our God. Does scripture speak of the salaried? I believe that there is a lesson to glean from this text. He that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep (John 10:12-13) . But the legalist will say this speak of a "hireling" not a salaried minister. What is a hireling but a person who serves for payment, one that serves merely for wages or mercenary motives? Does this description not fit the salaried ministry?

The thought of "relieving the ministry" to better minister to the congregation is the wisdom of the world and is contrary to scriptures. The scripture plainly states if "we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation (2 Cor. 1:6). If the ministry is not "afflicted" how shall one that has never been afflicted console those that are? Likewise how shall one having no experience of grace speak of the gracious salvation of God? What worldly goods shall one give to procure such experiences? 8/16/2003 Elder Marty Hoogasian