How are/should preachers be paid

[The Lemon]

Well, I have mentioned MANY times on this forum, my feelings about "Professional Business Church". Most of my minster friends would strongly disagree with my opinion on that matter.

Having said that...my last pastor worked and owned his own business...his wife worked as well, and they had their salary and benefits supplied by their secular jobs. IF they got any money from the church it was not much...most of the money given went right back into the church...in fact, when they retired, the church was almost totally debt free...how's that for a testimony. The congregation was not huge, but the atmosphere of love and restoration was unlike anything I had ever experienced in any other church.

Now, my current pastor, also works a secular job...and told me in the past that he always would....however, he has more recently recanted that idea and hopes in the near future to be full time. Both of these men believe in the tithing doctrine, whole heartedly...although neither ever actually taught it, and i have been in that church for five years now....at any rate.

It amazes me how much of the church system we have adopted from the Catholic system, and yet preach it as Apostolic and foundational...unbelievable...from expensive buildings, to chock full calendars and programs...we have our own rituals.

I see nothing wrong with financial support of the pastor, and understand that as being biblical...but in principle and in love...not in law and curse. Whats more, is that if the five fold ministry has equal parts in equipping and in the perfection of the saints...then IF there are perks...they should be shared and not all tribute paid to just one man, and all other ministers should just be glad for the opportunity to "minister".

Anyway...