In my earlier years, I did a whole lot of traveling, sometimes across several states within a week and even nations.
At times via invitations and sometimes to hold meetings organized by ministries I was a part of.
I observed, particularly with several ministers, a lack of understanding of how to treat guest ministers.
As a general principle of scripture, we owe those who take care of our spiritual lives material support.
[10] for the workman is worthy of his meat.
Matthew 10:10 KJV
Jesus had spoken earlier of who these Labourers were.
[36] But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
[37] Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
[38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Matthew 9:36-38 KJV
Shepherds, pastors, and those who oversee lives; Paul reiterated this strongly too.
[17] Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
[18] For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
1 Timothy 5:17-18 KJV
It’s a due! Not a mere privilege or donation!
It’s their due, salary. Anyone who feeds us the word must be so honored; Paul said double honor.
[6] Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Galatians 6:6 KJV
In material things, not sending emails of thanks, praise, and worship or “stretch your hands towards the man of God for more anointing”
[11] If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
1 Corinthians 9:11 KJV
It’s normal and very scriptural to respond in material giving.
Paul refers to such recipients as debtors.
[27] It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
Romans 15:27 KJV
It’s a duty! It’s like owing your workers and employees salaries.
While it is noteworthy that a preacher must not be found charging for his ministry.
[8] Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:8 KJV
“If you sow into my ministry, you will get such and such blessings;” that’s making a charge with your ministry. A bishop mustn’t be greedy for filthy lucre.
[3] not greedy of filthy lucre… not covetous;
1 Timothy 3:3 KJV
He mustn’t exercise his duties for monetary motives.
[2] Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
1 Peter 5:2 KJV
The minister must beware of the love of money.
[10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:10 KJV
This was written to a pastor, in fact a pastor of pastors.
Love of money leads to compromise of doctrine; that said.
The congregation mustn’t be found depriving its ministers of what’s due to them.
It’s noteworthy that it’s the church at Corinth that abused Paul’s waiver of his rights to this support.
[17] Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
[18] I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
2 Corinthians 12:17-18 KJV
Even though it was within his power and rights to receive support.
[6] Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
[12] If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:6,12 KJV
Yet they didn’t treat them well.
[7] Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
[8] I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
2 Corinthians 11:7-8 KJV
This church wasn’t just carnal; they were shameless about it. Paul would use support received from other churches to meet their needs.
Hence, they didn’t hold as much respect for him. It was the church in Macedonia that had a financial crisis that supported him.
[9] And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
2 Corinthians 11:9 KJV
Imagine Macedonia!
[1] Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
[2] How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
2 Corinthians 8:1-2 KJV
They gave to the poor and supported Paul’s ministry too. So it’s a shame if our pastors are lacking support, which we can readily afford; if Macedonia could, so should we. Material support for ministers isn’t a donation; it’s an obligation.
Now To Guest Ministers
If you invite a person, you must take full responsibility for and of his needs.
[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?
1 Corinthians 9:7 KJV
Not from his personal account or earnings, Jesus said this even about those he sent.
[9] Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
[10] Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
Matthew 10:9-10 KJV
Take nothing! All your needs should be taken care of by your hosts. If they dishonor you by refusing to do this, leave, and so your blessings.
[13] And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Matthew 10:13 KJV
That’s succinct. Let’s examine the basics. If you invite anyone, ensure you sort out their logistics and how they get to you.
Cars if they don’t have, and you fund the air flight tickets costs if it’s required that they fly. Now, no preacher should become burdensome and require first-class tickets.
If they give you, fine; if they don’t, just fly! Preachers can’t become celebrities. Don’t drown your hosts with your appetite.
I have had instances where people invited me, and I paid for my ticket because they couldn’t afford it. I knew they could not. If they can but refuse to, I might choose not to go, and I won’t be wrong.
It’s dishonor; we must not cast our pearls before swine.
If they see no value in what you are coming for, such that they must see to it that your coming is made smooth and comfortable, not necessarily for luxury, they won’t receive your ministry.
Givers are persons of honor, and they receive your ministry more, stingy folks won’t.
In Jesus’ days, he had folks like that whom he treated specially because they showed such honor.
[2] And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
[3] And Joanna the wife of ChuzaHerod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Luke 8:2-3 KJV
He included these folks in his inner caucus; they were givers.
This same Mary Magdalene played a major role in the gospel.
[3] Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
John 12:3 KJV
She used very expensive stuff on Jesus. Such that the disciples raged, Mathew’s account here is very clear.
[8] But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
[9] For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
Matthew 26:8-9 KJV
Jesus responded
[10] When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
[12] For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
[13] Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
Matthew 26:10,12-13 KJV
He commended her; it’s been debated whether this was Mary otherwise called Magdalene or Mary Martha’s sister called Bethany or another or they were the same. Sure, the facts aren’t readily discernible.
But Jesus’ response about it being for his burial makes it appear they were one and the same. For Mary Magdalene did take spices and ointment for Jesus’ burial.
[1] And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
Mark 16:1 KJV
John singles her out.
[16] Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
John 20:16 KJV
She was the first and only to see Jesus during the period of redemption.
He was raised from the dead but yet to ascend.
[17] Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
John 20:17 KJV
She was the only witness to this very critical fact.
Indeed, anywhere this gospel is preached, she is mentioned. Like now.
Never forget, that she was a committed supporter of Jesus’ ministry; that said. When you invite a preacher for your meeting, inquire and ensure his logistics are well sorted. I mean very well.
When Jesus went to Jerusalem, his trip was taken care of
[2] Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
[3] And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
Matthew 21:2-3 KJV
The preacher needs a vehicle. Also ensure he is well received at a good arrival point, airport, bus station, or train station.
[8] And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
[9] And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
Matthew 21:8-9 KJV
He was given a very good reception. Don’t just give a description of the church venue; that’s irresponsible.
Also, where is the minister to stay?
Do you have a place where he is to stay?
A mission house, well-furnished for such noble visitors?
Or maybe a church member’s house, which truly suits the occasion.
Or better still, a hotel close to the meeting venue.
Anyone you choose, ensure it’s very comfortable and will take good care of the minister’s needs.
[40] So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
John 4:40 KJV
He stayed with them.
[5] And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
[9] And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
[10] For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:5,9-10 KJV
Also in Zacchaeus house, same as he earlier told his disciples.
[29] And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,
[30] But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Mark 10:29-30 KJV
This isn’t for the notorious hundred-fold return false doctrine for sowing one naira to gain one hundred.
A ridiculous teaching for sowing, yet Jesus mentioned to leave behind your family and possessions and take nothing when you are going.
[9] Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
[10] Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
Matthew 10:9-10 KJV
You aren’t dropping your family into the offering basket, same as your house!
This simply means you left behind your comfort of family, accommodation, etc. to preach.
Your host will ensure your needs are taken care of and you won’t miss home, etc.
Notice, wife, is not repeated; It would be absurd; your hosts can’t offer you sex, which is what it will imply.
And persecutions are added; you sure won’t take mothers and sisters with you, so it’s not a return on investment but a provision of care and support for visiting ministers.
Kenneth E. Hagin explains this scripture was dealing primarily with missionaries.
I say so too, also for guest ministers. The key issue here is a must to provide comfort for guest ministers. Furthermore, food and welfare.
We must ensure ministers eat and eat well. Jesus ate in different places he preached, provided for by his guests at Martha’s house.
[38] Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
[39] And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
[40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Luke 10:38-40 KJV
His rebuke later was for not attending to the word, not the inappropriate provision of food.
[2] And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
Luke 15:2 KJV
Some ministers don’t travel alone. Jesus too didn’t; you might need to provide for them too.
However, where you can’t, ensure you communicate this to your guests.
However, whatever duties they undertake must be provided for by you. When and if I have to travel this way, I often provide for my associates. I think this is proper.
[34] Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
Acts 20:34 KJV
Just like Paul. One of the reasons I work secularly is to take care of such matters and not be a burden to many.
Another aspect is honorarium; this I believe I explained much earlier.
Honorarium means to give money for the services.
Understand that preachers are to live by the gospel.
[14] Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
1 Corinthians 9:14 KJV
God so ordained it that their families, welfare, etc. be taken care of via salaries and honorarium.
Understand this before deciding what to give. Some will assume since we have provided accommodation, etc. no need for an honorarium.
He can’t live in the house you provided! He will pay rent, etc. He deserves his own house, his family too, and a comfortable life. He will via your honorarium; not doing this is muzzling the Ox!
Now all these said.
What if I want to be blessed by a minister but can’t afford the above? Inform the minister.
He should be able to work with you. Inform him of things you can and can’t do. Except if he can’t afford the others or if he is greedy and covetous, he should help.
Ensure you give honorarium no matter the amount you can afford; it shows honor.
We all don’t have the same financial status, but don’t forget Macedonia.
No preacher ever forgets those who treat them well. Paul mentioned Macedonia. He commended Phillipi.
[15] Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
[16] For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
Philippians 4:15-16 KJV
He rated them first above all.
A generous church. It was the only church he prayed for concerning financial supply.
[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 KJV
They ensured he was satisfied
[18] But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
Philippians 4:18 KJV
Generous churches receive commendation, and generous believers too; Gauis was well noted by the apostles.
[23] Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city, saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. For generosity to Paul.
Romans 16:23 KJV
[1] The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
[5] Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
[6] Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
3 John 1:1,5-6 KJV
To John too he was the only one John prayed for his prosperity.
[2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 John 1:2 KJV
Physical prosperity, most likely health. In the local church I serve as pastor, I ensure giving is a pre-requisite for leadership.
A bishop must be hospitable.
[2] A bishop then must be …given to hospitality,
1 Timothy 3:2 KJV
Paul was, Barnabas too
[36] And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
[37] Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 4:36-37 KJV
Good leaders are givers I lead by example too; I ensure no single person outgives me.
Not just on tongues and fasting and teaching Giving too and not from their giving to me (which isn’t a sin) but my income.
I must quickly add; that we often treat our friends with less honor. The fact that the invited preacher is a friend or family member should not affect this if you receive a prophet as a cousin or classmate, there goes your reward.
[41] He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward;
Matthew 10:41 KJV
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This must be well guarded.
As a pastor of a much smaller congregation in the early/mid-90s, when I hosted my friends to preach for us, I lodged them in the best hotel around town.
Even though they visited me at home at other times, when they came to preach, I had to change the modus.
I looked for the funds and took care of them. I was an undergraduate then.
[4] But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
Mark 6:4 KJV
Don’t dishonor.
Sometimes you might not literally dishonor but just refuse to honor.
Honor is tangible.
When you don’t honor it could be grave for your church and you.
Finally, let’s ensure we take good care of ministers. Nothing is too much as long as they aren’t charging for it. Whatever you can afford to take good care of them shouldn’t be spared.
It’s a high-net-worth office spiritually. Don’t allow the media to blackmail you or ministers. When you see another church bestow good things on its ministers, both local and guest, and it’s not for filthy lucre, see it as a good example to emulate. As we honor His men, we honor him, and our labours are blessed.
[10] For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Hebrews 6:10 KJV
I call you blessed. Jesus is Lord, We Win!
Credit: Pastor Onayinka Olusegun
