Pastors With The Ministry Mindset of Paul Are Rare In Africa

As you may know, Paul was one of the foundational apostles even though he was not part of the 12 apostles who physically walked with Jesus Christ. Paul regarded himself as the least of the apostles, yet he laboured greatly than all. 

Now, all ministers of the gospel, like every human, have material needs which must be met. Food, water, clothing and shelter constitute the basic needs which are necessary for survival. It is expected that preachers of the gospel receive these things through the gospel.

In this article, we want to consider a particular ministry mindset or understanding Paul had which is rare among ministers of the gospel especially those in Africa today. 1 Corinthians Chapter Nine is the scriptural passage used as basis for this teaching.

 The apostle knew that he had the right to get his living by the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14). In other words, he had the right to receive from or ask the churches he oversaw to support him with money, food, and other material things to provide for his needs.

“Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14)

However, the Gentile-sent apostle intentionally decided not to make use of that right. Paul did that for nothing; there was a greater purpose of not wanting to “put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:12).

This means that preachers of the gospel can put an obstacle in the way of the gospel. They can hinder or obstruct the preaching of the gospel for the salvation of souls by the constant support they seek from believers to meet their material needs. 

The gospel can be hindered when impression is created that preachers depend entirely on preaching for money, accommodations, cars, clothing, food, and other material things they need for survival.

This situation projects pastors as peddlers of the gospel, lovers of money, earthly minded and exploiters of the brethren. Eventually, pastors are accused, criticized, insulted, mocked, and despised, a situation which undermines the integrity of the preaching of the gospel.

However, when total dependence on the church for support is refused or minimized, all these attacks that preachers serve for personal gain are removed, thus maintaining the integrity of ministry. Ministers are also deemed to preach the gospel truthfully without fear or compromise. 

For these obvious reasons, Paul decided to do his personal business to provide his needs and those who were with him (Acts 20:34). He worked as a tent maker alongside ministry (Acts 18:3). Many other ministers might do same. Thus, Paul said he coveted no one’s silver, gold or apparel. 

However, this mindset which Paul had about ministry is rare today, especially in Africa. Pastors overseeing small churches do not want to do any other work for income generation. They want to rely on their congregations for everything, leading to frequent fundraising during church programmes. 

Considering the current widespread criticisms against pastors, it is only reasonable that young ministers learn from Paul and begin to enter into entrepreneurship, farming, trading or apply for jobs to provide for themselves. Voluntary support from the church will be an additional stream of income. 

This way, the preaching of the gospel will not be hindered, and preachers will have no fear to proclaim the truths of God’s Word. They will not compromise the integrity of the Word, or appear to be peddling the Word of God for personal gain.

By James Quansah