I am a Christian...I believe in a dude named Jesus and I try to live my life like him...I am also a Pastor, which basically to me means that I get paid to...believe in a dude named Jesus and try to live my life like him.
I am increasingly uncomfortable with that idea. I often wonder if it cheapens my christianity, or if it makes who I am unauthentic.
I remember when I volunteered to work with young people I would often say things like this to the young people, "I just believe in this so much, I really love you guys, I don't get paid to be here, I do it because I truly care." I can't say that any more. I do believe that I do it because I love it, and I can't imagine doing anything else.
I guess I just want to be authentic in my beliefs and in sacrificing for those beliefs...I am not sure how I do that in the situation I am in.
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I don't think it's like a regular job. If it was just about the money you could do something easier, less involved, less personal.
Just think - fellow Christians strongly feel that it's important to have leaders who are able to devote their lives to studying, sharing, leading by example, and bringing then together through Christ. They're willing to fund that so that you don't have to spend 40 hours a week doing something else, leaving little time or energy left to concentrate on what it is to be a Christian and to be a leader in a Christian community. I don't think getting paid cheapens it at all. I think it makes it possible!
I don't think you're getting paid to be a Christian, because that's a personal choice you had to make, not be paid to make. You're just getting paid to do things that others wouldn't normally have to do, like organizing activities, etc.
your asking some hard questions here Trevor. Be carful as it may lead you to some hard answers. I love ya man and I am glad to see where you are at and where you are going.
I don't have any answers for you in regards to getting paid to be a Christian worker, but I do think about the same things from time to time. I see it that I am not getting paid to follow Jesus, I am getting paid to support my family as I share Jesus. Paul talks about bringers of the Gospel being taken care of and being worth their wages/
1 Tim. 5:17-18. Heres hoping I don't take that out of context.
Anyway bro, continue to wrestle but let God speak.
Phil is right; these are very hard questions. They are also important ones. I believe that there is a place for pastoral leadership to be paid. Within that, however, much as to be asked. Every situation is unique.
Like others have said, I don't think you are being paid to be a Christian, but rather you are being supported in your God-given calling to serve His people. If you think the amount, the nature, etc. of your pay & job are wrong, that is another matter altogether.
Praying that you find wisdom through this.
Peace,
Jamie
I appreciate all your thoughts on this. These are big questions, for me they are important, as I am paid. I believe strongly in what I do...or at least what I have the potential to do within the framework of my "job" and my life. The reality is, I may be more concerned about perception. I always worry too much about what people might think about me.
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