TENT MAKING PREACHERS While working in Corinth, Paul found himself without adequate support from the churches. Rather than leave and go elsewhere, he cast his lot with a Christian couple named Priscilla and Aquila who were tent-makers (Acts 18:3-4). Together they wrought to provide their needs and as opportunity presented itself Paul was able to preach the word of God. Luke reports that many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized (Acts 18:8). From this event in the great missionarys life, we have derived the expression tent-making preachers. This describes those who provide for themselves at some secular occupation while continuing to preach the gospel. In the early days of our back to the Bible movement, virtually all of our preachers found it necessary to support themselves. Congregations were few in number, members were often very poor and thus support was meager, if any. But men with the love of God burning in their hearts would not allow the lack of support to silence them. By day they toiled at their trade. On Saturdays and Sundays they preached, won the lost and planted new congregations. It was the time of our greatest growth. No one doubted their motives for preaching. It surely was not for money. There were no fancy, prestigious pulpits to fill. Often they preached in homes, in barns, in groves of trees, or borrowed buildings. It was not an easy life. It was a labor of love done in addition to their daily labors. They were not seeking worldly recognition and honor. The world had little respect to bestow on carpenters and farmers who walked or rode their horse for miles to preach to a handful of poor folks in a log cabin. Because of the labors of those saintly preachers, we here in America have congregations in virtually every community. Today, the average young man can, upon completing his education, find a position with an established congregation that will supply him with an adequate salary, housing allowance, insurance and retirement. Many I fear enjoy these wonderful provisions with neither understanding nor appreciation for those fore-trekkers who made their good fortune possible. Some gladly take the generous support provided, but do not feel the responsibility to be diligent workers for the Lord. Others take the salary until some more lucrative opportunity appears and without any consideration for the church that has sustained them, embrace another church or a business that offers a fatter purse. The church has the duty to support the preaching of the gospel. As Paul stated it, They that proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel (I Cor. 9:14). To the Galatians he wrote, But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things (Ga1.6:6). Yet there are still occasional situations where a man of God might have to make tents to provide for his family while, he preaches. Young churches might not be sufficiently strong to provide full support for a man. Still they need a preacher. Some older congregations have dwindled down and are no longer able to provide full support. Some men might have family situations that keep them from doing full-time work with a church. Some have family illness that keeps them from such a commitment. Others have a mate who is not supportive of their desire to make serving God their major vocation in life. Yet in their bones they feel the fire saying, Woe is me, if I preach not the gospel (Jer. 20:9: I Cor. 9:16). So they toil each week day at their trade and then work with small churches on weekends. The author of this piece has done this very thing. For some five years he did so and by Gods grace it proved to be one of the most fruitful periods of his career. Without doubt, it is the best for all if a man can devote his full time and energy to the Lord’s work. But the tent-making preacher, who supports himself by secular employment, will find some positive benefits. He will enjoy more independence since he is not dependent on a congregation for his livelihood. This will give him boldness when it is necessary to address controversial issues or to rebuke flagrant sinners. He will enjoy more freedom in choices and decisions he must make. He will have more stability for his family. The self-employed preacher is more likely to own his own home. If the congregation wishes to employ another preacher, he can stay in his own home and continue to receive his compensation from his other job. He will not be beholding to powerful and influential members or families within the congregation, if he is financially independent. He will always have the option of resigning from his position with a church that does not support his efforts. He will not suffer financial harm from so doing. Frequently we receive correspondence from brethren in third world countries pleading for support. Some receive remuneration but it is judged to be inadequate. In many cases, congregations in our mission outposts have not been taught their responsibility to support those who preach. They find it more satisfying to allow American congregations to provide for their preachers. I remind these preaching brethren that the man who preaches only because he is well-paid to do so, is not serving from the proper motives. A hireling is a man who serves only for money (John 10: 12-13). No money, no preach! Just as our early pioneers had to provide for themselves as they preached, so these men must do. In time, their labors will result in thriving churches that can adequately support them. There is no shame in a man being a tent-making preacher. In fact, such dedication is a declaration of the mans love for Christ, his church and the lost. He will gladly devote all of his spare time to preaching Christ to a lost and dying world. For that, he deserves double honor (I Tim. 5:17). John Waddey
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 10:39:51 +0000
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