The Bible offers guidance on honoring and supporting those who labor in ministry. Church workers—pastors, evangelists, teachers, and others—play a vital role in feeding God’s people spiritually. Scripture not only emphasizes their spiritual responsibilities but also acknowledges their right to material and financial support. These verses reflect God’s heart toward fairness, honor, and provision for those serving full-time in His house.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Evil in the Church
Honoring Those Who Preach the Gospel
God’s Word affirms that those who dedicate their lives to preaching and teaching deserve both respect and material support. These individuals pour themselves into the spiritual growth of others, often sacrificing personal ambitions and comforts. Just as laborers in any profession deserve compensation, so do ministers of the gospel. Scripture makes it clear that paying church workers is not just generosity—it’s a matter of justice and biblical obedience.
1 Corinthians 9:14
“In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.”
Galatians 6:6
“Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.”
1 Timothy 5:17
“Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.”
Romans 15:27
“They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.”
2 Corinthians 11:8
“I “robbed” other churches by accepting their contributions so I could serve you at no cost.”
The Laborer Deserves Wages
The principle that the worker deserves their pay is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. This applies to every form of honest labor, including spiritual work. Church workers are laborers in God’s vineyard, and they should not be left without sustenance. Scripture calls for fairness and equity in rewarding those who serve, showing us that ministry is both spiritual and practical.
Luke 10:7
“Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.”
1 Timothy 5:18
“For the Scripture says, ‘You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.’ And in another place, ‘Those who work deserve their pay!'”
Matthew 10:10
“Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.”
Leviticus 19:13
“Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. Do not make your hired workers wait until the next day to receive their pay.”
Deuteronomy 24:15
“You must pay them their wages each day before sunset because they are poor and are counting on it. If you don’t, they might cry out to the Lord against you, and it would be counted against you as sin.”
Financial Support as a Ministry Responsibility
Financial stewardship in the church includes ensuring that those who serve full-time in ministry are cared for. It is the responsibility of the body of Christ to take care of its own. By supporting church workers, the church lives out God’s love in tangible ways, and the gospel work continues without hindrance. It is not merely an option—it’s a calling to share in the blessings we receive.
Philippians 4:16
“Even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent help more than once.”
2 Corinthians 9:12
“So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.”
Nehemiah 13:10
“I also discovered that the Levites had not been given their prescribed portions of food, so they and the singers, who were to conduct the worship services, had all returned to work their fields.”
Numbers 18:21
“As for the tribe of Levi, your relatives, I will compensate them for their service in the Tabernacle. Instead of an allotment of land, I will give them the tithes from the entire land of Israel.”
Acts 6:2
“So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, ‘We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.'”
Old Testament Examples of Church Worker Support
From the earliest times, God commanded His people to support the Levites and priests, who were set apart for temple duties. The concept of tithes and offerings was not only a way to worship God but also a means of sustaining those who ministered before Him. These examples show God’s consistent care for those He called to serve in His house.
Deuteronomy 18:1
“Remember that the Levitical priests—that is, the whole of the tribe of Levi—will receive no allotment of land among the other tribes in Israel. Instead, the priests and Levites will eat from the special gifts given to the Lord, for that is their share.”
Numbers 18:8
“The Lord gave these further instructions to Aaron: ‘I have put the priests in charge of all the offerings brought to me by the people of Israel. I have given all these consecrated offerings to you and your sons as your permanent share.'”
2 Chronicles 31:4
“In addition, he required the people in Jerusalem to bring a portion of their goods to the priests and Levites so they could devote themselves fully to the Law of the Lord.”
Malachi 3:10
“‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!'”
Ezra 6:9
“Give the priests in Jerusalem whatever is needed in the way of young bulls, rams, and male lambs for the burnt offerings presented to the God of heaven, and without fail provide them with as much wheat, salt, wine, and olive oil as they need each day.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Paying Your Bills
Accountability and Transparency in Church Finances
While the Bible supports compensating church workers, it also emphasizes integrity and stewardship in how resources are managed. Those responsible for distributing funds must do so with honesty and faithfulness, ensuring that the needs of workers are met without misuse of church finances. This ensures the reputation of the gospel is upheld and God’s provision is honored.
2 Corinthians 8:20-21
“We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.”
Acts 4:35
“Bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.”
Acts 11:30
“This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.”
1 Corinthians 4:2
“Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.”
Proverbs 3:9
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.”
Blessings of Supporting God’s Servants
When believers generously support those who minister, blessings flow—not just to the ministers, but also to the givers. God promises to supply every need and reward cheerful giving. Supporting church workers is a spiritual investment that multiplies, strengthening the church and advancing the kingdom of God. Giving faithfully and joyfully pleases the heart of God.
Philippians 4:17
“I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.”
2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.”
Luke 6:38
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
Proverbs 11:25
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Hebrews 13:16
“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”
Neglecting Church Workers is a Sin
The Bible not only encourages support for church workers but also warns against neglecting them. When God’s servants are overlooked or denied what they need to live and serve effectively, it grieves the heart of God and disrupts the ministry. Scripture reveals that failure to care for those who minister can lead to spiritual decline and even judgment. It is a serious matter in God’s eyes, and believers are called to ensure that no servant of God suffers lack while laboring for the Kingdom.
Malachi 3:5
“At that time I will put you on trial. I am eager to witness against all sorcerers and adulterers and liars. I will speak against those who cheat employees of their wages, who oppress widows and orphans, or who deprive foreigners living among you of justice, for these people do not fear me,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
Nehemiah 13:11
“I immediately confronted the leaders and demanded, ‘Why has the Temple of God been neglected?’ Then I called all the Levites back again and restored them to their proper duties.”
Jeremiah 22:13
“What sorrow awaits Jehoiakim, who builds his palace with forced labor. He builds injustice into its walls, for he makes his neighbors work for nothing. He does not pay them for their labor.”
James 5:4
“For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The wages you held back cry out against you. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
Ezekiel 34:10
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I now consider these shepherds my enemies, and I will hold them responsible for what has happened to my flock. I will take away their right to feed the flock, and they will stop feeding themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths; the sheep will no longer be their prey.”