Pastor Evan Rose -- Church -- 9/4//2025

Why We Pay Our Elders

A Biblical Vision for Supporting Gospel Ministry

At Lake Hills, we want every decision—big or small—to be shaped by Scripture. That includes something many people rarely think about: how pastors are compensated.

Some may wonder: Should pastors be paid at all? Shouldn’t they do it out of love, not for money? Didn’t Paul work with his hands? Isn’t bi-vocational more faithful?

These are honest questions. And the Bible doesn’t shy away from them. In fact, God’s Word speaks clearly—and with beautiful balance—about how we support those who labor in the ministry.

What Does the Bible Say?

From Old Testament foundations to New Testament practice, Scripture consistently teaches a principle:
Those who serve the spiritual needs of God’s people should be supported materially by God’s people.

Let’s walk through the biblical evidence:

Old Testament Foundations

God set apart the Levites and priests to serve in the temple full time. In return, the rest of Israel supported them through tithes and offerings (Numbers 18:21; Deuteronomy 18:1–5). The principle? Spiritual service deserves material support.

Jesus’ Teaching

When Jesus sent out His disciples, He told them to bring no money and to rely on the hospitality of those they served. Why?
“The worker is worthy of his wages” (Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7).
This wasn’t just a missions tip—it was a principle. Those doing gospel work shouldn’t carry the burden of self-support alone.

Paul’s Teaching

Paul, a tentmaker by trade, had strong convictions about this. Even though he sometimes chose to refuse payment, he clearly taught that:

• “Those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14)

• “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches” (Galatians 6:6)

• “The elders who rule well are worthy of double honor… especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17–18)

Paul’s occasional refusal of payment wasn’t the norm—it was a strategic exception, meant to protect fragile new churches or avoid misunderstanding. But he never stopped insisting on the right of gospel workers to be supported.

Peter’s Caution

Peter exhorts elders to shepherd eagerly, “not out of greed for money” (1 Peter 5:2). His concern isn’t with payment—it’s with motivation. Ministry must never be about financial gain. But neither should pastors be expected to serve sacrificially while lacking provision for their families or daily needs.

What Does This Mean Today?

Churches approach this differently depending on their size, context, and resources. But here are three common models:

Full Support (Most Common)

Elders who labor in preaching and teaching are fully supported—salary, housing, benefits—so they can devote themselves to the Word and to shepherding. This is the clearest alignment with Scripture’s teaching on “double honor.”

Bi-vocational / Tentmaking

Some pastors, like Paul, take on outside work. This can be strategic—especially in revitalizations, small churches, or missions—but it also has challenges: limited time, divided focus, and long-term strain. It is a valid model, but ideally temporary or strategic.

Volunteer / Minimalist

Some elders serve without pay, usually alongside full-time leaders. This can work in healthy teams or small churches—but it shouldn’t become the default expectation, especially for those who preach and shepherd regularly.

What We Practice at Lake Hills

We believe the most biblical and sustainable model is full and dignified support for elders—especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. That reflects the heart of the “double honor” principle and allows pastors to serve without distraction or financial strain.

At the same time, we recognize that churches go through seasons.

Right now at Lake Hills, we are in a season of revitalization and renewal. We’ve been able to provide generous and fair compensation for our lead pastor in a bi-vocational role—allowing him to serve the church well while also working outside employment. This arrangement has served us well for a time. But our prayerful goal is to one day fully support him—and any future elders—so they may be free to devote themselves fully to prayer, the Word, and the care of the flock.

We see this not as a luxury, but as a faithful and biblical priority as the church grows in strength, health, and generosity.

Final Thought

Paying pastors isn’t about status or comfort. It’s about stewardship and calling. When a church frees up its leaders to devote themselves to gospel ministry, the whole body benefits.

As Paul put it:
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17)

That’s not just a suggestion. It’s an invitation to trust God’s design for His Church—and to live it out with faith, generosity, and joy.