Supporting Evangelists

By Ellis J. Crum

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     The whole work of an evangelist is a venture of faith. It is likewise on faith that he travels about, borne "on eagles' wings." Like the desolate widow, he "trusteth in God" to supply his needs. The Bible is quite clear as to the support of all workers in the kingdom. "Let him who receives instruction in the word [of God] share all good things with his teacher--contributing to his support" --(Gal. 6:6, Amplified N. T.) When the apostles were sent forth they were told: "Don't take any gold or silver or even coppers to put in your purse; nor a knapsack for the journey, nor even a change of clothes, or sandals or a staff--the workman is worth his keep!" --(Matt. 10:9, 10, Phillips). To the seventy Jesus gave about the same instructions, as noted in Luke 10:4. Provision for support dates back much further than this among the people of God. "Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:13, 14).

     Paul supports his argument regarding support by examples from everyday life. "Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?" (1 Cor. 9:7). In addition to the soldier, the husbandman, and the herdsman, Paul cites the temple minister and even the lowly ox in his case for support for gospel workers. Paul appeals to the Law: "Do I say this on human authority and as a man reasons? Does not the Law endorse the same principle? For in the Law of Moses it is written, You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the corn. Is it [only] for oxen that God is having a care?" --(l Cor. 9:8, 9, Amplified N. T.). This passage, while frequently applied today to preachers, is equally cited in connection with support of elders in 1 Timothy 5:17, 18.

     Again in 1 Corinthians 9:10, 11 Paul draws an illustration from agriculture. "He that ploweth should plow in hope; and he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?" The farmer goes forth into the field planting, plowing, and patiently waiting for the harvest. The evangelist goes into the gospel field sowing the seed of the kingdom; he plants, he waters, but he too must wait for the Lord of Harvest to give the increase (1 Cor. 3:6). With the farmer there is the element of hope (desire and expectation) as he plows and threshes. New Testament evangelists will not demand a guaranteed salary before they go into the field. Here is a real test of faith; however, the God who cares for oxen, who notes the sparrow's fall, will also sustain the evangelist. We are not as adventurous in the work of the Lord as we are in other phases of living.

     As a soldier of the cross, the evangelist need not expect a life of ease or plenty. Paul wrote Timothy: "As a noble soldier of Christ Jesus share our hardships. No enlisted recruit gets involved in enterprises for making a living, so he may please the officer who enlisted him. Again, whoever competes in a game does not get crowned unless he competes fairly. The toiling farmer must have first share of the produce" (2 Tim. 2:3-6, Berkeley Version). Evangelists should endure hardships, not complain about them. Paul declared: "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phil. 4:11). He further stated, "I can even enjoy weaknesses, suffering, privation, persecutions and difficulties for Christ's sake" (2 Cor. 12:10, Phillips Translation). The Lord needs men of courage and conviction who are willing to "spend and be spent" in the work of the kingdom.

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     Paul charged Timothy: "Do the work of an evangelist; discharge to the full your duties as a minister" (2 Tim. 4:5, Berkeley Version). Evangelistic work will consume all the time a man can devote to such labors. As a general rule an evangelist has neither time nor inclination to follow other pursuits. Sometimes because congregations will not support men, it is necessary that preachers engage in some other occupation. Indeed, when other interests "occupy" his mind or time it hinders his greatest usefulness. It takes time to change "gears." If the whole week has been spent on the farm, or with customers in the store, or at the desk in the office, it will be difficult to make a transition. Ask those who have tried it if you doubt it. It is sometimes hard on one's business and also the Father's business. If an evangelist is going to heed 1 Timothy 4:15, 16, he needs to be able to give his undivided attention to the Lord's work. "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."

     Congregations ought to be ashamed that they are not doing more to support gospel preachers (and elders too). "Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth" (Jas. 5:4). If the cries of temporal reapers are heard, what about the evangelists who use their time, talent, (including mental powers), also their means and energies in spiritual endeavors, and then are not supported? Or are just "half-supported" or "quarter-supported"? Consider these words: "Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbor's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work" (Jer. 22:13). If the Lord hears the cries of such, will He not condemn and censor those who ill-treat His children? Some evangelists are "eased" while others are "burdened." Equality?

     It appears that many congregations have unofficially adopted an attitude expressed by the old deacon in his prayer: "Lord you keep the preacher humble, we'll keep him poor!" Men who cannot be trusted with money should not be trusted with souls.

     Evangelists have a right to expect support; however, they should not demand it. If congregations will not follow the Bible teaching upon the subject of support, they will have to find their "tentmaking" trade. Many are quick to say that preachers should work with their hands like Paul. They forget that Paul commanded by the Holy Spirit that those giving their full time to the work of Christ should be supported. They seemingly forget that Paul was an inspired man. He could make tents easier than preachers of today as he did not have to study and make preparation for lessons--the words were put into his mouth. Unless congregations wake up and support evangelists as outlined in the Bible, they will not only have their lamp stand removed, but will also be responsible for many lost souls. Evangelists are being driven from their full-time work in the field while men like ripened grain are about to perish!