How do evangelists get paid?

[houston]

Originally Posted by n david

Growing up, my father would always pay the expenses and then take offerings and give it to the Evangelist or missionary. It wasn't until probably a decade ago that I heard of Evangelists having set rates. Not fond of the idea.

The set rate really bothers me. I was told of a very prominent evangelist that had a $5k retainer.

[houston]

I read that an evngelist on the low end of the pay scale (probably lack of meetings) earns $25,000 a year.

I thought, poor guy.

[Apostolic1ness]

Originally Posted by houston

The set rate really bothers me. I was told of a very prominent evangelist that had a $5k retainer.

I wander what a prominent evangelist is, since we are all brothers and sisters right and equally loved by God.

are there "big shots" in the kingdom of God or "humble servants"

tongue in cheek of course.

[n david]

Originally Posted by houston

The set rate really bothers me. I was told of a very prominent evangelist that had a $5k retainer.

$5K retainer is ridiculous.

Being an Evangelist is not a career, it's a calling.

I can understand asking for expenses, food and lodging be covered in advance, but the rest should be left to what's given in an offering, not some ridiculous amount as though they're some celebrity with a rider attached to their retainer.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by houston

I read that an evngelist on the low end of the pay scale (probably lack of meetings) earns $25,000 a year.

I thought, poor guy.

When I evangelized I was paid very well. I did not have one complaint. I reserved some days to give to home missions or very small churches to preach freely. God and His people were good to me.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by n david

$5K retainer is ridiculous.

Being an Evangelist is not a career, it's a calling.

I can understand asking for expenses, food and lodging be covered in advance, but the rest should be left to what's given in an offering, not some ridiculous amount as though they're some celebrity with a rider attached to their retainer.

Time is money. I'd imagine that if someone is a notable speaker, they have many trying to book them to preach. There is only so much time in the year, and so the value of his time and services increase. I can see it.

Any highly successful speaker, teacher, etc. will be found doing the same.

But, I have a soft spot for evangelists. They go through a lot. And their families go through a lot. It's a passion, but if you can make a good living following your passion and calling, why begrudge them?

I'm far more critical of pastors who use their position to terrorize folks, including those on fixed incomes, to give 10% with the threat of burning in Hell for having somehow "robbed" God.

I love free and voluntary giving out of the joy of one's heart. I believe the entire ministry should be sustained that way.

[n david]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Time is money. I'd imagine that if someone is a notable speaker, they have many trying to book them to preach. There is only so much time in the year, and so the value of his time and services increase. I can see it.

Any highly successful speaker, teacher, etc. will be found doing the same.

They're not a career speaker, teacher, etc.

Originally Posted by Aquila

But, I have a soft spot for evangelists. They go through a lot. And their families go through a lot. It's a passion, but if you can make a good living following your passion and calling, why begrudge them?

There's a difference between making a living and padding the pocket. Charging a $5K retainer is just ridiculous. I get they go through a lot. I had dozens of Evangelists and missionaries stay in my home while I was growing up. Spent hours out of services at home listening to them while around the dinner table or sitting in the living room.

Originally Posted by Aquila

I love free and voluntary giving out of the joy of one's heart. I believe the entire ministry should be sustained that way.

Funny, you talk about "free and voluntary" giving, but are voicing support of an Evangelist who wouldn't visit unless you pay him a $5K retainer. And that's just a retainer. That's not including whatever else he expects to receive in offerings.

Not really "free and voluntary" now, is it?

[returnman]

Originally Posted by Apostolic1ness

I wander what a prominent evangelist is, since we are all brothers and sisters right and equally loved by God.

are there "big shots" in the kingdom of God or "humble servants"

tongue in cheek of course.

Maybe not the kingdom of God but here on earth with humanity involved. Just the way it is. You get a person with a big name and more folks from the surrounding area are going to show up meaning a bigger offering plus everybody likes booking the best they can get if possible.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by n david

They're not a career speaker, teacher, etc.


There's a difference between making a living and padding the pocket. Charging a $5K retainer is just ridiculous. I get they go through a lot. I had dozens of Evangelists and missionaries stay in my home while I was growing up. Spent hours out of services at home listening to them while around the dinner table or sitting in the living room.


Funny, you talk about "free and voluntary" giving, but are voicing support of an Evangelist who wouldn't visit unless you pay him a $5K retainer. And that's just a retainer. That's not including whatever else he expects to receive in offerings.

Not really "free and voluntary" now, is it?

Well, a church is free to book the man or not.

These evangelists often have to fly, stay in hotels, or they have a truck and mobile home. It costs money to travel. So much money, I haven't been able to afford a decent vacation in 10 years. These guys often travel vacation style all year round, every year. And, because of that, many don't have jobs or careers. They must find a way to live and sustain their families on whatever they make speaking. That includes the travel, vehicles, mobile accommodations, educational curriculum for kids, health insurance for the family, etc. It's not cheap. And the more popular an evangelist is, the more people want to book him. That boils down to a higher cost, and perhaps yes, even a retainer.

I think the real rip off is extortion under threat of hell imposed by pastors regarding the tithe. Maybe if they had more faith in their anointing, they could live on free will offerings and attract the crowds.

Ultimately, I see these evangelist as God's motivational speakers. And yes, in our economy, some are celebrities of sorts. It's just the way it is.

I think the hidden gems are good men few have heard of who if given more exposure, they'd not be struggling so badly.

[Esaias]

3. And concerning the Apostles and Prophets, act thus according to the ordinance of the Gospel.
4. Let every Apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord,
5. But let him not stay more than one day, or if need be a second as well; but if he stay three days, he is a false prophet.
6. And when an Apostle goes forth let him accept nothing but bread till he reach his night's lodging; but if he ask for money, he is a false prophet.

...
12. But whosoever shall say in a spirit "Give me money, or something else," you shall not listen to him; but if he tell you to give on behalf of others in want, let none judge him.

...

1. Let everyone who "comes in the Name of the Lord" be received; but when you have tested him you shall know him, for you shall have understanding of true and false.
2. If he who comes is a traveller, help him as much as you can, but he shall not remain with you more than two days, or, if need be, three.
3. And if he wishes to settle among you and has a craft, let him work for his bread.
4. But if he has no craft provide for him according to your understanding, so that no man shall live among you in idleness because he is a Christian.
5. But if he will not do so, he is making traffic of Christ; beware of such.

-The Didache