It’s a good question.
I certainly didn’t “have” to. I was paid full-time by our church and the elders were glad to continue paying me. There was no financial struggle involved.
So, why do it?
I’ll give you 4 reasons.
- It’s a joy to do ministry for free.
When we moved back to Lubbock after graduating from seminary to start our church, we had no income. Our sponsor church was unable to help us financially, so we had to raise our personal support and also a budget for the church.
We had many generous people give to help fund a salary for me and my family and a start-up budget for our church.
Once our church started, all of the tithes and offerings went directly to church ministries because my salary had been covered for the first 2 years. I loved this!
After 2 years, the church had the funds to bring me on the payroll, and while I was grateful, I really enjoyed not being on the payroll. Soon after coming on the payroll, I remember beginn
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