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 Bro.
Turner:
What
is a "hireling"? Is it wrong for a church to pay a
preacher a "salary" for preaching the gospel?
Reply:
The
terms used in describing the "support" of one who
devotes his time to the proclamation of truth are of far less
importance that the work done and our "fellowship" in
that work. Paul clearly establishes the right of the preacher to
be sustained in physical things by those who profit by his
spiritual "sowing" (1CO.9:6-14). Paul was supported in
Corinth by "other churches" (who sent
"wages" K.J.) (2CO.11:8). GAL.6:6 says "Let him
that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in
all good things". This "fellowship" would include
material support, from individuals.
A
"hireling" receives material support, but not all who
receive such are "hirelings". "Hire"
generally refers to "the price paid for the use of a thing
or place, for personal service, or for labor". A
church operates (saints act collectively) thru agency; i.e.
someone acts on behalf of, as an agent of, the group
(PHI.2:25-30; COL.1:7; ROM.16:1-2). Consequently, if a group of
saints wished to act collectively in publicly proclaiming the
truth, they might obtain the service of a qualified man, paying
a "salary" in exchange for this service. This
arrangement would not necessitate any wrong on either
part.
But
"hire" and "hireling" have acquired a bad
connotation. Service done solely for reward, the "pay"
being the motivating
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influence, is most degrading. Webster's
dictionary of synonyms says, "That is mercenary, in
ordinary usage, which is actuated by (usually sordid or
self-seeking) considerations of profit or reward. Hireling
applies to that which is (esp.) servilely sold, venal, to that
which is (esp.) basely purchasable, for a dishonorable
consideration...."
"Servile"
means one becomes slave for a price — allows himself to be a
"tool" for a price. The preacher who ceases to act
upon his own conviction, has made the source of "pay"
his master instead of Christ. The scriptural example
(JOH.10:12-13) has the hireling leaving the sheep to the wolf,
"because he is a hireling, and careth not for the
sheep". Some hirelings of today do not flee -- they stay
and join with the wolf in feeding on the flock.
Personally,
although I do not have strong objections to the word
"wages" "salary" or "hire", I know
I am preaching the gospel because I believe the Lord wants me to
use this talent. I want to preach, and will continue to preach
regardless of support. I consider my arrangement with a
supporting church a mutual affair: I want to be busy preaching
the word, and they want to support and uphold the preaching of
the word, so we get together. I make an honest effort to take
only that which is necessary for reasonable needs, and preach
what and how I believe I can best serve the Lord. I have in the
past, and will in the future, part company with my supporters
when this mutual aspect of our arrangement no longer obtains.
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