question about pastors salary

[Scott Pitta]

I have never heard any official communication from the UPC about this issue.

[peter83]

Originally Posted by wire2john

This sounds like the way most churches do it, how does it square with tithing doctrine though? My understanding of tithing is that 10% of income is owed to the pastor personally.

If belongs to the pastor how then will the work of God will be? planting churches etc?
I know the bible says that preachers can live from the gospel.But this comfuze me some times.
Also in my old trinitarian church they have it like "law" no tithes and pastors do not get paid.And i found it helpful and reasonable.
I know some say this others says that for this theme but i just wanted to know where money goes. I do not have problem to pay even if you call it tithe or offering but i have a shame say to somebody here in Greece who is suffer under crisis "pay your tithes".
All offerings in new testament went to the gospel and the poor.How i can say to the poor give? I feel like we must give him.

[votivesoul]

In the United States, and perhaps elsewhere, most affiliated or LLC (or Limited Liability Corporation) churches have a church board that works with the pastor to determine a base salary, if the board and the church have voted to allow the pastor to have a salary.

Such churches often have some form of articles of affiliation or by-laws that govern how such matters are to be handled.

Essentially then, as Jito pointed out, every church will potentially be different in how salaries are drawn up and discharged to the pastor or other ministers.

[wire2john]

I'm not sure I understand what you are struggling with, but it is clear in the scriptures that the ministry should be supported by the church; they have to eat, they need appropriate clothing, a place to sleep, etc. I am still uncertain as to whether or not tithing was taught and practiced by the Apostles, so all I can tell you is to pray about it and give what the Spirit leads you to give. Or you could just give 10%, the Lord will still love you either way.

[peter83]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

In the United States, and perhaps elsewhere, most affiliated or LLC (or Limited Liability Corporation) churches have a church board that works with the pastor to determine a base salary, if the board and the church have voted to allow the pastor to have a salary.

Such churches often have some form of articles of affiliation or by-laws that govern how such matters are to be handled.

Essentially then, as Jito pointed out, every church will potentially be different in how salaries are drawn up and discharged to the pastor or other ministers.

thnx!

[peter83]

Originally Posted by wire2john

I'm not sure I understand what you are struggling with, but it is clear in the scriptures that the ministry should be supported by the church; they have to eat, they need appropriate clothing, a place to sleep, etc. I am still uncertain as to whether or not tithing was taught and practiced by the Apostles, so all I can tell you is to pray about it and give what the Spirit leads you to give. Or you could just give 10%, the Lord will still love you either way.

Thank you.I understant now ok.
T he problem was that the teaching i had from my church was this : pastors must work "if somebody do not want to work do not eat" ,tithing not excist and then i found it better becouse all the money come for the church.Imagine if a church have to give money to pastors then is to much.He want a house ,wife,children,car...too much for a church.
Anyway i agree with you 100% pastors can get paid, although is not a rule (paul for example) He work with his own hands and also preacing,teching ,he had time for all.
(sorry for my bad eanglish)

[Scott Pitta]

Our pastors were underpaid. But, we live in a very poor county.

A full financial report of every dollar spent was provided to all members at the annual church business meeting. The salaries of our two ministers and the janitor were lumped together to provide them some privacy.

Every dollar that came in and every dollar that was spent was accounted for in the report. Transparency nurtures trust.

[wire2john]

Originally Posted by Scott Pitta

Transparency nurtures trust.

Yes it does, well said. Perhaps the opposite is true as well? In any case, it sounds like your church would make an excellent model for others to follow, and would put at ease even a cynic like myself.

Still, I have to believe that the UPCI has an official, detailed stand on the issue, since tithing is taught by most as a "Heaven or hell" issue...but maybe not. It seems that tithing is one doctrine that remains murky and poorly understood, which is why I became dubious of it in the first place.

[Michael The Disciple]

Paul taught the Ephesian Elders to work with their own hands.

32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 33I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:32-35

I think the Apostles can be trusted in this matter. If you get to many people for a working Pastor to shepherd ordain another Pastor to share the labor. Multiple Eldership is a good thing .

Obviously todays Ministers (for the most part) would rather Paul had told them to make sure to remind the saints the tithes belong to them!

[peter83]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Paul taught the Ephesian Elders to work with their own hands.

32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 33I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:32-35

I think the Apostles can be trusted in this matter. If you get to many people for a working Pastor to shepherd ordain another Pastor to share the labor. Multiple Eldership is a good thing .

Obviously todays Ministers (for the most part) would rather Paul had told them to make sure to remind the saints the tithes belong to them!

Look and dont judge me please ,just tell me your opinion.
I attend the last month in my old church which is a trinitarian church (baptize in the tittles and in the name of Jesus)
I feel much more comfortable there and i see some values they keep.
-For example our pastor work with his own hands.but he is with us 4 times per week.
-no tithing.but the church is the bigest in Greece.(150 churches ,upci have 2-3 and no greek.)
-no women preaching.
-women wear coverings on the head
-no music instruments inside church.
-Holiness and love is preaching.
-they know my faith (oneness) but they see it just one other view of godhead ,they do not believe i will go to hell.

I tell you that just to listen your opinion because i still attend upci at evenings just because of fear and i do not know how to communicate this to them.
Is hard to say that i felt shame and fear invite my parrents at upci ,because of extreme emotionalism ,and i felt guilty for that but now i see is not only mine "bad spirituality" because i invite them without any fear in the new church.There is a very well organized way in this new church even about tongues and prophecies just like Paul to Corinthians say .

From the other site i know here in Greece a oneness church that believe in salvation throw faith as a separate action than holy spirit baptism. (all the rest are the same like upci) but they do not consider them selves like the only ones reight ,they do not see any salvation problem with evangelicals or other pentecostals ,but is one hour long away from my area.