Due Honour

Due Honor

( How to receive Ministers especially Guest Ministers )( please read patiently )

In my earlier years, I did a whole lot of traveling ,sometimes across several states within a week and even nations .

Attimes 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 scriptures we owe those who take care of our spiritual lives material support .

Matthew 10:10 KJV
[10] for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Jesus had spoken earlier of who these Labourers were

Matthew 9:36-38 KJV
[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.

Shepherds, Pastors , Those who oversee lives.

Paul reiterated this strongly too

1 Timothy 5:17-18 KJV
[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.

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 .

Galatians 6:6 KJV
[6] Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

In material things. Not sending emails of noise and worship or ” stretch your hands towards the man of God for more anointing “

1 Corinthians 9:11 KJV
[11] If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

It’s normal and very scriptural to respond in material giving .

Paul refers to such recipients as debtors.

Romans 15:27 KJV
[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.

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 .

Matthew 10:8 KJV
[8] Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

“If you sow into my ministry you will get such and such blessing “

That’s making a charge with your ministry .

A bishop mustn’t be greedy for filthy lucre

1 Timothy 3:3 KJV
[3]not greedy of filthy lucre… not covetous;

He mustn’t exercise his duties for monetary motives

1 Peter 5:2 KJV
[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;

The minister must beware for the love of money

1 Timothy 6:10 KJV
[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.

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 it’s ministers from what’s due to them .

It’s noteworthy it’s the church at Corinth which abused Paul’s waiver of his rights to this support

2 Corinthians 12:17-18 KJV
[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?

Even though it was within his power and rights to recieve support

1 Corinthians 9:6,12 KJV
[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.

Yet they didn’t treat them well

2 Corinthians 11:7-8 KJV
[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.

This church wasn’t just carnal, they were shameless about it.

Paul would use support recieved from other churches to meet their needs .

Hence they didn’t hold as much respect for him

It was the church at Macedonia which had financial crisis which supported him

2 Corinthians 11:9 KJV
[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 .

Imagine Macedonia !

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 KJV
[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.

They gave to the poor too.

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

1 Corinthians 9:7 KJV
[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?

Not from his personal account or earnings

Jesus said this even about those he sent

Matthew 10:9-10 KJV
[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.

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.

Matthew 10:13 KJV
[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.

That’s succinct .

Let’s examine 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 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 swines.

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 neccesarily for luxury ,they won’t recieve your ministry.

Givers are persons of honor and they recieve your ministry more .

Stingy folks won’t .

In Jesus’ days he had folks like that whom he treated specially because they showed such honor

Luke 8:2-3 KJV
[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 Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

He included these folks in his inner caucus.

They were givers .

This same Mary Magdalene played a major role in the gospel .

John 12:3 KJV
[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.

She used very expensive stuff on Jesus .

Such that the disciples raged

Mathews account here is more pellucid

Matthew 26:8-9 KJV
[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.

Jesus responded

Matthew 26:10,12-13 KJV
[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.

He commended her .

It’s been debated whether this was Mary otherwise called Magdalene or Mary Martha’s sister called of Bethany or another or they the same .

Sure the facts aren’t readily discernible .

But Jesus response about it been for his burial makes it appear they were one and the same

For Mary madgalene did take spices ,ointment for Jesus burial

Mark 16:1 KJV
[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.

John singles her out

John 20:16 KJV
[16] Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

She was the first and only to see Jesus during the period of redemption .

He was raised from the dead but yet to ascend .

John 20:17 KJV
[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.

She was the only witness of this very critical fact .

Indeed anywhere this gospel is preached she is mentioned.
Like now .
Never forget ,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

Matthew 21:2-3 KJV
[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.

The Preacher needs a vehicle

Also ensure he is well recieved at a good arrival point ,airport ,bus station,train station

Matthew 21:8-9 KJV
[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.

He was given very good reception

Don’t just give description of church venue ,thats 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 August and noble visitors ?
Or maybe a church member’s house which truly suits the ocassion.

Or better still a hotel close to the meeting venue .

Any one you choose ,ensure its very comfortable and will take good care of the ministers needs .

John 4:40 KJV
[40] So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

He stayed with them

Luke 19:5,9-10 KJV
[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.

Also in Zaccheus house

Same as he earlier told his disciples

Mark 10:29-30 KJV
[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.

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 possession and take nothing when you are going

Matthew 10:9-10 KJV
[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.

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

In Martha’s house

Luke 10:38-40 KJV
[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.

His rebuke later was for not attending to the word not the inappropriate provision of food

Luke 15:2 KJV
[2] And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

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, what ever 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

Acts 20:34 KJV
[34] Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

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

1 Corinthians 9:14 KJV
[14] Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

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 honorarium .

He can’t live in the house you provided !

He will pay rent ,etc he deserves his own house,his family too,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

Philippians 4:15-16 KJV
[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.

He rated them first above all .

A generous church .

It was the only church he prayed for concerning financial supply

Philippians 4:19 KJV
[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

They ensured he was satisfied

Philippians 4:18 KJV
[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.

Generous churches recieve commendation .

Generous believers too

Gauis was well noted by the apostles

Romans 16:23 KJV
[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

3 John 1:1,5-6 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:

To John too

He was the only one John prayed for his prosperity

3 John 1:2 KJV
[2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

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

1 Timothy 3:2 KJV
[2] A bishop then must be …given to hospitality,

Paul was .

Barnabas too

Acts 4:36-37 KJV
[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.

Good leaders are givers

I lead by example too

I ensure no single person out gives 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,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 class mate there goes your reward

Matthew 10:41 KJV
[41] He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward;

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 .

Mark 6:4 KJV
[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.

Don’t dishonor .

Some times 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 istoo 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 networth office spiritually .

Don’t allow the media 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

Hebrews 6:10 KJV
[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.

I call you blessed .

Jesus is Lord,We Win !