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I recently made a post on my Facebook page, which read, “It is not proper for poor Christians to give the little money they have to rich pastors.” I received mixed reactions. While some commenters agreed with me others thought otherwise.
In the opinion of the latter, poor Christians must learn to give to rich pastors for them to be blessed financially. Indeed, the above are the views of men, and it is their right to express them.
In Ghana and other countries in Africa, where poverty is rife, Christians are taught to give to their pastors, especially those who are rich to tap the financial blessing on their lives.
Is the teaching above in consonance with sound doctrine? What is the position of the Word of God on this matter? What Scripture presents to us is the standard and final. It is authoritative and binding.
It must be understood that this article is not concerned with poor Christians giving to churches or other poor people. Scripture encourages poor believers to give (Mark 12:41-44, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5). Rather, it is concerned with a teaching which persuades poor believers to give to rich pastors.
As I have already indicated, the Bible is our standard. Therefore, we will consider the teachings of Jesus Christ, Paul and Solomon and other biblical heroes of faith. First, let us learn about what Paul wrote to Timothy.
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
No one is an island in a human community. None has it all and lives independently. Therefore, interdependence is the norm by which needs are met. Thus, the apostle emphasizes the need for the rich in the church to willingly share their riches with the poor.
The rich should understand that sharing with those in need is their ministry. It is their Christian service and must be done generously, freely and willingly from a happy heart thereby storing up treasures in heaven. Clearly, Paul does not say the poor should give to the rich.
He often refused financial support when accepting it might create the appearance of exploiting believers. This contrasts sharply with ministers who pressure poor congregations for expensive gifts. He wrote, “I coveted no one’s silver or gold” (Acts 20:33). “These hands ministered to my necessities” (Acts 20:34).
Moreover, the Lord Jesus taught the earliest apostles the same principle. He instructed a rich man to distribute his possessions to the poor before he could follow Him.
“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22).
Even when Jesus sent His apostles to cities to preach the Good News of the Kingdom of heaven, He asked them to first identify rich people in the cities and stay with them (Matthew 10:11). The reason was obvious. He knew that the rich could shelter and feed His poor disciples if they wanted.
In fact, there are several other passages of Scripture which instruct rich believers to give to the poor (See Isaiah 58:6-8, Proverbs 22:9, Proverbs 19:17, Luke 3:11 and James 1;27).
No where is it commanded that the poor should give to the rich. It is always the responsibility of those who have. Wealthy Christians who are expected to minister to the needs of poor members of the church include rich pastors. In fact, they must lead by example. Undoubtedly, many who have the mind of Christ do.
Someone may argue that a poor widow of Zarephath gave to Elijah, a prophet of God (1 Kings 17:8-16). Of course, the Bible defines the woman as poor, but we should not lose sight of the fact that Elijah was poorer when he went to the woman for help. The widow had dough and oil but Elijah had nothing.
Elijah would never have gone to the poor widow to receive from her if he had money or food on him. But today many rich pastors expect poor church members to give money to them during their appreciation day and birthday.
This is what I see as improper, and must be shunned by a rich church leader. Proverbs 22:16 says, “Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.”
By James Quansah
