Supporting Evangelists

By Ellis J. Crum

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     The chief concern of the evangelist is moral and spiritual support; however, in order to carry on his work effectively it is necessary that he receive financial support. Time spent in secular labors will decrease the amount of time that can be devoted to the work of Christ. It takes money for an evangelist to live in this day and age. Some congregations seem think he can get by on very little income. While this may be a compliment to the preacher, or to the ingenuity of his wife, I wonder if God's arrangement calls for all the sacrifices to be made by just one group of workers? Many "say" that an evangelist has every right to dress as nice as anyone in the congregation, to drive as good a car as the rest of the brethren, and to eat the same kind of food as his fellow Christians. The $64 question is how he can do this on sometimes less than $50 per week. Some might think that $50 or so a week is a pretty good wage, especially since this is the actual amount of his "take-home pay" and therefore is all "clear." You see, an evangelist has no life insurance, Blue Cross, sick benefits, taxes, or retirement fund payments taken out of the support he receives from the brotherhood.

     Oftentimes an evangelist receives his support on a monthly basis. Those who have trouble stretching a sizeable check over a 7 day period, can imagine the difficulty of making a monthly check (sometimes not too much larger than some weekly checks) extend over a 30 day period. To further develop the art of financial resourcefulness, sometimes those responsible for writing checks to evangelists have been known to send them from 10 to 15 days late!

     Many brethren think that an evangelist does not need as much income as others, as when he is away in meetings he is provided free lodging and meals. While this is true, what about his rent or house payments while he is away; do they stop? What about his family? Do they not need a place to stay? Sometimes they are not invited to come with him, or if they do come, they are occasionally not made to feel welcome. "Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?" (1 Cor. 9:5, RSV.) There are other expenses that go right ahead even when an evangelist has his family with him: lights, water, gas, and telephone bills to name a few.

     When discussing an evangelist's support some will say, "That's enough for him!" It might wake up those who make such statements if someone would ask them if they would be willing to live on the same amount. Another common remark that is heard when considering a preacher's support is this: "Well, he gets his railroad ticket for half fare!" This is not true. In order to get any discount it is necessary to buy a "clergy book" of coupons. If preachers are traveling cross country, it is necessary to buy a different book for each section. In order to use the discount coupons it is necessary that he buy a first class ticket. As most preachers, traveling by train, buy coach tickets to economize, there would be little or no advantage in most instances to using a "clergy book."

     It is usually cheaper for an evangelist traveling alone to go by bus or train--if he can get all of his paraphernalia in a couple of suit cases! When a preacher takes his car, he can often get around better and accomplish more in less time. However, many congregations do not appreciate him bringing his car, as evidenced by their failure to offer to pay his gasoline expense, only a small part of the cost of operating an automobile. Usually, if an evangelist comes by train or bus the congregation will reimburse him his traveling expenses. All too fre-

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quently his auto expense is overlooked. When an evangelist is requested to come 1,000 to 2,000 miles for some special work with a congregation, it would be very thoughtful of the brethren if they would send him his railroad ticket or some money for traveling expenses. Sometimes when preachers are just receiving enough support for the daily necessities, the purchase of a $75-100 railroad ticket leaves the family with little or nothing for groceries.

     How thoughtful of a few congregations which have formed the habit of enquiring into a preacher's financial needs upon his arrival. It is helpful if congregations will offer some support at the end of the first week. A plurality of checks is frequently advantageous. An evangelist usually has little personal expenses while engaged in a two weeks period of work; however, he may need a check to send to his wife and children. Many congregations slip the contribution or a check to the preacher the last night of the meeting, as if he were an object of charity, or else they were ashamed of the check they were giving him--occasionally they should be! Checks received the last night of the meeting are virtually impossible to cash. If only one check is given, it may not be desirable to have that much cash in one's pocket while traveling. Thoughtful congregations will take these matters into consideration.

     Some congregations have a system of "equality" (?). They give the gospel preacher the same amount regardless of where he comes from! The evangelist who comes 1,500 miles just for this special meeting receives the same amount as the man who comes from the next county! Again, is it equality when all are given the same amount regardless of marital status or the size of his family? It is too bad that some are "eased" while others are "burdened." Many are so burdened with efforts to stretch the family budget, or supplement the inadequate family income that a mental or physical breakdown occurs. Congregations and elders who encourage evangelists with words only will have a lot to give account for in the last day! If the laborer is worthy of his hire, then not only those who labor with their hands and backs should receive financial assistance, but also those who use their minds and tongues. It would frequently be easier to engage in manual labor than endure the mental anguish sometimes inflicted upon those who preach the gospel. If a man labors in the work of the Master it is not charity, but justice that he receive remuneration for his services. (See 1 Cor. 9:14 and Lk. 10:7).

     Men driven from the field seldom return! Congregations like to talk about the evangelists they send forth; however, all too often they do little to sustain them. Fortunate is the evangelist who has a wife and family who will patiently do without and suffer privations that the good news may be published! Woe unto congregations and individuals who let such conditions exist. Men who love money and do not get it, will quickly quit preaching, and indeed they should get out of the field, for their heart is not right. Congregations which have the money, but will not use it properly in the proclamation of the gospel, are keeping many men out of the field which should be in it. Congregations which can but won't support evangelists are not churches of Christ; they are failing to follow Christ and the inspired writers, therefore their lampstand has been removed. Men who preach for money, or praise or any other impure motive are hypocrites of the worst kind. Some one has said in effect: "I do not envy an evangelist's life as an easy life, nor do I envy the evangelist who makes it an easy life!"