SUPPORTING GOSPEL MINISTERS

Gal 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

The admonition of Paul to members of the churches of Christ in Galatia, and to all members of the churches of Christ throughout the world today, is to communicate, or support and sustain, by contributions, the faithful teachers and preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus sent His twelve apostles to preach the kingdom of heaven is at hand. In His instructions to them, they were to also heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. Jesus had freely given God's word to them, and they, in turn, were to freely give it to those to whom they were sent. How were they to be sustained? He told them that they were to provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves. They were to be freely supported by all that heard His gospel message through them - for the workman is worthy of his meat (See Matt. 10:5-10).

This was the pattern then, and is the pattern today, for supporting all New Testament ministers of the Gospel of Christ. As partakers of their spiritual things, it is a God-given duty and responsibility to support gospel ministers (Rom. 15:27). Quoting Deuteronomy 25:4, Paul told the church at Corinth, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Using the farmer as an example, Paul said further that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. ...the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel (See 1 Cor. 9:9-14). Spiritual truths from God's word, and the preachers and teachers that bring them into our lives, must be, when necessary, supported by the physical blessings that we have received - the temporal blessings, which were given freely and liberally to us by our Heavenly Father.

Paul's charge to the young gospel minister, Timothy, was to Preach the word (of God); be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine(2 Tim. 4:2). He told him further: watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry (2 Tim. 4:5). This Holy Spirit-inspired admonition to Timothy serves as the scriptural guide for all men who possess the knowledge of God's word, and who are capable of undertaking the duties and responsibilities of teaching and preaching the gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

This being the obligation to which all preachers are held accountable, it is, then, the responsibility of those that benefit from their teaching - those that receive scriptural instruction, to communicate, or materially support the physical needs of such godly teachers and preachers. As it is with all charitable giving to those in need, as well as giving to support the cause of Christ, all are to give as they purpose in their heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7). Teachers in the secular educational system should be, and are, supported by those that benefit from their instruction. So it is to be in the spiritual realm of proclaiming God's word.

Wherever the God's plan of salvation is being taught, support is needed. Local congregations of the church of Christ, need support in order to afford essential gospel teaching for its membership. Monetary support, in varying degrees, for elders, teachers, and gospel ministers, is needed within every congregation of God's people. Support is needed to assist preachers in sister congregations that have difficulty maintaining necessary, scriptural teaching on their own. Support is needed to send evangelists into foreign lands where the preaching of God's word is in its infancy. Spiritual gratitude is demonstrated when those that have been taught the gospel message of salvation through Christ, support the teachers and preachers that bring this same message to all others throughout the world - to those that have an open and receptive heart, and are searching for the hope of eternal salvation.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed, and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard, and how shall they hear without a preacher, and how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things (Rom. 10:14-15)! Those that are taught the gospel message of salvation through Christ Jesus, are obligated to support those who bring this soul-saving message to us..