Topic(s):  Evangelism

Todd Clippard

It is perfectly acceptable to receive compensation for laboring in the word. In Luke 10:7, Jesus encouraged His traveling disciples to stay in the same house, saying "the laborer is worthy of his hire." Paul said he took wages from other churches that enabled him to preach to the Corinthians free of charge (2 Corinthians 11:8-9).

In 1 Corinthians 9:1-15, Paul said preachers should be supported by those to whom they preach. Look closely at Paul's statements in verses 6-14. He used as an example the Levitical priests who, having no land promise, were dependent upon the gifts of the people to live on a daily basis.