A faithful minister of the Gospel is not one who is perfect or sinless. Rather, one who diligently strives daily to obey Christ and love his Bride (his church). The Bible teaches that the relationship between clergy and congregation is symbiotic in its nature. Meaning, both are dependent on one another in a mutually beneficial relationship. Paul highlights the truth when he challenged the Corinthian congregation, (v11), “If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” (cf., Mt 10:9-10).

Further, in Part 2 of this sermon series (v7-14) Paul reiterated that God has put into the hands of the church body the resources needed to support their Pastors and families in a similar way to how he structured the care of Old Testament Priest and Levites who served God and the people through a tithing system, thus Paul affirms (v13), “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?” Though the tithing systems were a part of the Mosaic law and were fulfilled in Jesus, a similar principle of shared community care has been established by God for the NT church (e.g., 2 Cor 9, Acts 4:32-37).

In Part 3 of this sermon series, Paul reminds the church that though he has these rights to community care, he has declined to request them from the church. In today’s message, we’ll further explore why he decided to go the bi-vocational route as minister of the Gospel.

Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:15-18

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A preacher of the gospel shares in both the spiritual and material benefits within the church community in which they serve. As a general statement, (in American culture) too often Pastors are viewed as superhuman people who only exist to serve the needs of the congregation. Very little thought is given to how the attitudes and actions of church members impact their spiritual, emotional and financial well-being. What is sometimes forgotten is that clergy are people… with the same needs as those in the laity. As result more and more Pastors lament suffering neglect in these areas due to the lack of Biblical reciprocation of care that they extend towards their church family.

Paul was dealing with a similar situation among the Corinth congregation. His two letters (1 & 2 Corinthians) to them reveal issues he was having in this area, to include those who did not respect his God-given authority as an Apostle within the church. In Part 2 of this sermon series, he continues to challenge their unbiblical view of Christian liberty and community care as it relates to a minister of God.

Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:7-14

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The currency of the church to impact the moral thermometer of American culture is in decline. In a similar downward trend, so is the value and respect for Christian ministers within the church. As a general statement, we live in time where Pastors are expected to be CEOs with divine powers like the Holy Spirit as those who can:
· Do all things as we should possess all spiritual gifts and practical skills.

· Discern & interpret all people's feelings and emotions at all times.

· Be everywhere fulfilling all the needs of the congregation.

As a result of these unbiblical expectations, burnout among Pastors is also on the rise, as many are resigning (or being removed) from ministry. Further, serving God’s people can be very difficult at times, as (sometimes) your good can be returned with evil. Your mistakes and shortcomings can be met with unending criticism rather than compassion, patience and understanding. Your adoration for the members, can be returned with contempt and disrespect.

Unfortunately, this is not a new reality for church leaders, as Paul had to endure those who questioned his authority (and his church community rights) as Apostle and minister of the Gospel. In some cases, they objected to him as a person, for they complained about his appearance and public speaking skills. He apparently lacked charisma they longed for, as they grumbled against him (2 Cor 10:10), “…his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is of no account.”

Gifts and talents he did not possess was at times weaponized against him to marginalize his role in the church community. Paul had to remind the church of his ministerial rights as one who was sent by God to shepherd them in faith. In Part 1 of this sermon series, he:

· Reminds them of the Biblical qualification of an Apostle.

· Begins his defense for communal rights as an Apostle.

Sermon Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:1-6

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