Respecting and Supporting Guest Ministers: Biblical Imperatives

Understanding the Reverence Due to Ministers, Especially Guest Ministers

In my extensive travels, As a fundamental principle of scripture, those who labor in nurturing our spiritual well-being are deserving of material support. This principle is emphasized by Jesus in Matthew 10:10, where he declares that “the workman is worthy of his meat.”

Jesus himself recognized the scarcity of laborers in Matthew 9:36-38, highlighting the importance of those who oversee and shepherd lives. Similarly, the apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 5:17-18, stresses the significance of honoring elders, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. He refers to them as worthy of “double honor,” emphasizing the scriptural foundation for supporting those who feed us spiritually.

Supporting ministers in material ways is not merely a privilege or donation but a duty and obligation, as outlined in Galatians 6:6 and 1 Corinthians 9:11. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between providing support and charging for ministry, as Jesus instructed his disciples to freely give without seeking monetary gain (Matthew 10:8). Ministers must guard against greed and the love of money, as it can lead to compromising their message and integrity (1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Peter 5:2, 1 Timothy 6:10).

On the other hand, congregations must also recognize their responsibility to provide for the needs of their ministers, as demonstrated by the church in Macedonia, which supported Paul both materially and spiritually (2 Corinthians 8:1-2, 9:10-11). This support is not a one-sided transaction but a mutual obligation between ministers and those they serve (Romans 15:27).

When it comes to hosting guest ministers, the responsibility falls on the inviting party to ensure that all the needs of the minister are met. Just as Jesus instructed his disciples to take nothing for their journey (Matthew 10:9-10), hosts should provide for the logistical and practical needs of their guests, including transportation, accommodation, and meals.

Guest ministers should not be burdened with extravagant demands, but hosts should ensure their comfort and well-being, as exemplified by the Samaritans who welcomed Jesus (John 4:40) and Zacchaeus who hosted him in his home (Luke 19:5, 9-10). Additionally, hosts should communicate openly about any limitations they may have in providing for the minister’s needs.

Honorarium, or financial compensation, should also be given to guest ministers as a tangible expression of gratitude and support for their ministry (1 Corinthians 9:14). Even if a host cannot afford extravagant gestures, any amount given with a sincere heart is considered honorable and appreciated (Philippians 4:15-16).

In conclusion, honoring ministers, whether local or guest, is not only a biblical mandate but also a reflection of our reverence for God and his work. By fulfilling our duty to support and care for those who labor in spiritual matters, we demonstrate our faithfulness and obedience to God’s commands. As we honor his servants, we honor him, and our labors in his name are sure to be blessed (Hebrews 6:10).