GIF Ministry Support

“Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches.”
(Galatians 6:6)

Ministry Support
by Larry Burkett

There must be a balance in a Christian’s attitude toward ministry support. Too often a Christian will read a spectacular biography of how God used a particular individual and he or she will use that as an absolute rule against everyone else.

Personal testimonies are exciting and rewarding and can be of great value in providing alternatives. However, they are not to be used as yardsticks for giving, unless they are confirmed in God’s Word.

Many Christians have read the story of George Mueller’s life and how he trusted God for everything without asking. They conclude that no Christian should ever let a material need be known. Some may perceive this as This is noble and admirable—but it is not scriptural.

Paul admonished the Corinthians because they felt he didn’t have the right to ask them for support. And in Exodus 25:1-3 the Lord told Moses to tell the people of Israel to raise a contribution for the Tabernacle.

However, just because asking is acceptable, it doesn’t mean that it’s God’s plan for everyone or that every letter sent to supporters should ask for more money.

Balance is the key principle. Nowhere in the Bible is there any indication that God’s people went begging. It’s evident that many more needs were met by praying than by asking.

It’s also clear that once God’s people are made aware of their responsibilities to give and support God’s work, the need to ask goes down dramatically.

Jesus said, “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7).

Daily Scripture Reading:
1 Samuel 20-21
Psalms 34, 56