There are many Christians who struggle with the concept of raising support. It is not a topic often addressed and taught in the Church and leaves many wondering if it’s biblical. This can hinder potential full-time missionaries or short-term workers from moving forward. I was one of them. Prior to entering full-time vocational ministry in 2002, I was asked to raise support for the position. I quickly said, “No”! It was such a foreign concept to me, and I had no clear convictions of whether it was biblical or how to do it.
Does Scripture touch on this subject? Can we find principles, commands, do’s, don’ts, or models we can follow?
There are 2,172 references throughout the Bible where the Lord speaks of possessions. It’s eye-opening to realize that this subject is addressed three times more than love and seven times more than prayer. Nearly 15 percent of Scripture touches on possessions!
Let’s explore the pattern of how ministers received support.
Old Testament Pattern
Numbers 18:21-24 – “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting. From now on the Israelites must not go near the Tent of Meeting, or they will bear the consequences of their sin and will die. It is the Levites who are to do the work at the Tent of Meeting and bear the responsibility for offenses against it. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. They will receive no inheritance among the Israelites. Instead, I give to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present as an offering to the LORD. That is why I said concerning them: ‘They will have no inheritance among the Israelites.’ “
What does this teach about the Levites and how they were provided for? The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel who were responsible for Temple worship, serving as mediators between God and the Israelites, and performing many sacrifices.
Key Observations:
- God called the nation of Israel to give a tithe to support full-time spiritual leaders.
- This model was to be a “lasting ordinance”.
The Lord sternly rebukes those who do not follow this model in Malachi 3:8, “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me.”
For further insights into the Old Testament pattern, see Numbers 35:1-8 and Deuteronomy 18:1-8.
New Testament Pattern
Luke 8:1-3 (Jesus’ life and ministry) After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
Key Observations:
- Jesus allowed others to minister to him physically and mentally.
- Jesus openly accepted their support without embarrassment.
- The statement, “The twelve were with Him indicates that all of them fully devoted themselves to ministering while others provided for their needs.”
Matthew 10:5 – These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.
Key Observations:
- Jesus directed the twelve to go out; it wasn’t their own choice.
- They were to give fully themselves to ministering, not earning a living.
- They couldn’t take food or money for operating expenses. Instead, they depended on God’s provision, which came through the support of others.
Philippians 4:10-19 – I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Key Observations:
- Paul affirms the Philippian Church for their support.
- The Philippians fully supported Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica through their generous giving.
- Verse 16 makes it clear that their giving was not a one-time contribution, but ongoing support.
- The only time Paul supported himself by making tents and ministering on the side (as far as Scripture records it) was in Corinth. He worked alongside Aquila and Priscilla for a time and ministered only on the Sabbaths (Acts 18:1-4). But as soon as Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia (with the Philippian gifts) he devoted himself completely to the ministry of the Word for the next 18 months.
You must first establish the conviction that supporting those in the Lord’s work is right and appropriate.
Head Part Two here.