Am I the Biggest Sucker in the World?
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Tue, August 09, 2005
- Viewed 260
- (100) comments so far
Dear Todd,
I am at a church that we love. I am non-paid staff. We have been here for 5 yrs, with the elusive promise of pay. I am ready to graduate in 6 mths with a concentration in my ministry. I have worked for free, and accumulated $$$ in tuition debt. The church has not paid for any of my schooling. I have been receiving offers, but my church has asked me not to take them, that the time will come when they will "fairly" compensate me.
Am I the sucker of all time??? Am I being taken advantage of?
Well... what do you think? I told this person that I'd post his/her email on the blog and see what kind of comments we get. What do you think... are they a sucker or should they stick in there and see what happens? Has a similar situation ever happened to you? How did you handle it? Take a few moments and add to the response!
I get many emails each week from people with questions about church staff and personnel issues. Here is one that has to do with pay… an believe it or not, it is not an uncommon scenario. Read this short note, and take a few minutes to give your feedback below…
Comments
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Tim on Tue, August 09, 2005
I’d say, yes, he’s a sucker. It’d be one thing if it had been five months. Five years is another story. If the church he’s at really appreciated his ministry, they’d support him. It’s time to move on to a church that does.
Thomas E. Jones on Tue, August 09, 2005
After 23 years of ministry in small churches and mission churches, I have found that if the church is not giving you anything, they most likely won’t. Even $50 a week is not asking too much in most situations. Even our Father gave us an “earnest” of the coming inheritance. Why buy the cow when the milk is free? Also, I have found that when you willingly and freely give yourself away that the people lose respect for you. Don’t be surprised that when and if you stay, that they happen to find someone else for the position. Then, if they find someone who won’t minister for “a coke and a smile”, they will respect him more. Salvation is freely given by Christ, but ministry costs. In reality, you are robbing the church of blessing by not asking for something in return.
Chris on Tue, August 09, 2005
It seems unfair, and borderline abusive for your church to ask you to not look at other offers, while dangling future compensation like a carrot in front of your nose. You want to serve at a church that is truly for you, and as hard as it is to think about, a church that won’t provide for your needs does not have your best interest at heart. Find someplace that will allow you to serve similarly, but who will truly support your ministry and you as a person.
I know you don’t want to be “in it for the money,” and you shouldn’t be. But you also have a responsibility to be a good steward and possibly a responsibility to provide for your family - at least by keeping the debts from accumulating. If your church doesn’t recognize that or support that, it’s time to begin considering churches that will.
Peter Hamm on Tue, August 09, 2005
“In reality, you are robbing the church of blessing by not asking for something in return.”
I couldn’t agree more with that. There is a time and a place for long-term volunteer ministry… even full-time volunteer ministry. None of our churches would be anywhere without volunteers. This individual is way past that. He needs to be compensated so that he can afford to live and pay his now-stubstantial school bills.
here’s an idea. Don’t quit your position. Instead, start earnestly looking for a paying job. When an offer comes in that you REALLY intend to accept (i.e. you can work with them, they can work with you, your ministry philosophies line up, it’s a place you’d like to move to), present it to your church. Give them a chance to meet it… but in that case they need to do that immediately. Otherwise, take the offer. It’s a no risk plan.
But remember, you’ve been faithful in a few things… You will be given charge over MANY things. And the workman deserves his wages.
Rev. Dirk on Tue, August 09, 2005
Pick it on up and move it on down the road!
RLH on Tue, August 09, 2005
I hate to compare the church to a business, but try to treat a doctor or other professional like that. God instructs that those that labor in the Word deserve our support and to refuse to obey is, well, ungodly. If you don’t explore an opportunity that can meet your families needs and use your talents and turn it down for the supposed promises of man, then you deserve whatever you get. Set a date and give them the opportunity to put their money where their mouth is, then if it is still just an empty promise, move on. I just have one last question, how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop??
David on Tue, August 09, 2005
Sorry to say, but I agree with the others. Churches, unfortunately, seem to be very good at taking advantage of folks, especially staff. Having learned the very hard way, you would be well advised to seek out a church that will fairly compensate you for your giftings and calling. A “pie-in-the-sky” promise is no promise at all.
JImmy Rogers on Tue, August 09, 2005
Not only should you consider the offers but know that what you receive in compensation when you begin may not change before you leave for another field of service. Fortunately, some churches do consider your needs on a yearly basis but smaller churches are often unable to keep promises of future salary increases…and some just will not. A servant’s heart is not a “sucker”, he just believes the best and seeks to fulfill his Kingdom Call…(and that’s from experience.)
Casey Hooper on Tue, August 09, 2005
Deuteronomy 25:4 says “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.” If God’s word holds such regard for an ox, how much more should the writer be paid a fair wage? The workers of Israel’s temples (the levites) were given an allotment to take care of their needs as well. What really stinks in this matter is that the congregation he currently serves has so little regard for one of their own!
Personally, I believe that the writer needs to move on and accept the offers where adequate compensation is available.
david on Tue, August 09, 2005
Oh Boy - Yes, you are a sucker with a capital suck. Not only do you deserve to be compensated for your work, (including benefits) but the church is being downright dishonest. Getting something for nothing is stealing! Take the offers and RUN.
Bobby on Tue, August 09, 2005
I believe it all depends upon where your calling is and what you are doing in the current to support yourself.
Stephen Ventura on Tue, August 09, 2005
I think you are very frustrated and disappointed. Move on.
Tim Fus on Tue, August 09, 2005
I am reminded of a verse that says my god shall supply all your needs acoording to HIS riches in glory. Although it appears this person is a sucker, I would like to think that if he is following God’s leading in his life, he is right where he needs to be. I will also say that after he graduates it seems he will be a pretty loyal employee that is seeking the will of God and not concerned about the almighty dollar. If this church has promised to fairly compensate you, then you can only take them at their word. If they do not compensate you, then I would say there is another church out there that will realize your TRUE worth and compensate you accordingly. I would encourage you to be obedient to God’s calling on your life and to finish the “job” your at with integrity. Remember, God is your provider, not the church. Jeremiah 29:11
Louis Showers on Tue, August 09, 2005
After four churches and some hard learned lessons it has been my experience that after five years, if the church has not made any attempts at trying to give you something for your labors they are not serious about doing so in the near future. You have a responsibity before God to be good steward. Your debt must be paid off and that means finding a paying position
Cindy on Tue, August 09, 2005
God needs to be in charge of deciding where He wants you to bloom, not any church, especialy one that is not following God’s Word and supporting their ministers!
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