---

Due to the rise and fall of many radio and television preachers, men of God have been faced with the accusations of preaching for profit. True to the problem, some men have entered the ministry for the sake of financial security. Some have joined to avoid working for a living, while some have even mounted the pulpit to enjoy what is called “the lime light.” All of these ungodly motives have caused people to put all preachers in the same category. This is not only untrue, but it is also unfair to real men of God. There are many men today that are just getting by in their finances, sacrificing much to fulfill the will of God for their lives, preaching The Word of God. I went to Bible College and lived by faith all of those years. During that time, no one ever accused me of preaching for the money. I was driving a worn out car, wearing second-hand clothes, had just enough food to feed our family, worked all night long, and went to school all day. It's a strange thing that people have problems remembering preachers going through those days!!

Then some fat, lazy, good-for-nothing slob, mumbles that preachers are in it for the money. If there is so .much money in it, then why don't you get your fat tail out of bed and try it for a while You're a sorry, God robbing thief that has never tithed or did anything for the kingdom of God, and you’re jealous when you see God bless those that have served Him faithfully.

Because my family and I try to dress decent and clean, people have yelled for years that I am a millionaire. I have told them that I would give them half of the million if they would help me find it! Preachers can't win. If they dress nice, have a car that doesn't smoke, and their children don't look like Raggedy Ann dolls, then they are in it for the money. If a preacher is having a rough time, the people yell that they are under the judgment of God because they are not being blessed.

Churches have tried for years to control preachers through their finances. Many men, and their wives, are burnt-out and bitter because of the way churches starved their families during their stay at a church. With all of this in mind, I would like in give some advice to both churches and preachers.

1. A church must realize that taking care of their pastor is their first responsibility.

2. Your pastor's income should at least match that of the members. This should also include all of the benefits you have at work as well. Bonuses, insurance, Christmas money, time off with pay, etc...

3. Your pastor should get a raise at least once a year-agreed on by the men of the church, not just some deacon board.

4. Your pastor's birthday, anniversary, and holidays should always be remembered and gifted-this includes his family as well.

5. As the church, begins to get blessed, that should be shared with the pastor. His last worry should be if he is going to have enough money to pay his bills each week.

1. Young preachers - strive to get out of debt and stay that way. It is still better to owe no man anything.

2. As soon as you can, get your own place to live if you pastor. Church owned houses are trash. There is no security for your family if something should happen to you. If the church runs you off - you get set out in the road in thirty days. This will turn your family bitter faster than anything I know of.

3. Be sure to have your own car. If the church wants to buy you a car, fine. Have it put in your name. They will not only throw you out of a church owned home, they will take your car.

4. Don't refuse the churches blessings on you. Some preachers have killed the churches desire to be good to them by turning down things the church has wanted to do for them. Later, when no one wants to help you with anything, you will know why.

5. Don't be afraid to preach and teach to your people concerning their responsibility in taking care of God’s man. Start early in setting up future security for your family.

I know some preachers get bent out of shape when I mention this, but they can suck an egg!! If you don't take care of your family, I promise you, no one else will. This dog-eat-dog church crowd could care less if you and your family ever have enough to enjoy.

Preachers - stop letting your wife spend all you make. Some preachers will never have anything because the wife runs the finances. She buys what she wants, when she wants, and answers to no one. You will never will have anything.

Never be ashamed of God's blessings on your life. Tell it everywhere. God is still good to His children. God has given me beautiful cars, a wonderful home, and money in my pocket. If that bothers you, I don’t care!

Dr. Phil Kidd
www.DrPhilKidd.com