Sometime ago, a young man and a lady were in my office to invite me for a program. After we were done discussing, they asked a very rare question; “Sir, like how much should we prepare for your honourarium?” With this “tempting” question, I was able to teach them about honouring God’s servants.
Friend, you need to honour God’s servants. The Bible is never silent about how ministers of the gospel should be treated (1 Timothy 5:17). The Bible teaches about honour, even beyond honourarium. Giving offerings to God and blessing our parents should also be done with honour (Proverbs 3:9, Malachi 1:6-8, Ephesians 6:2).
Ministers of the gospel are carriers of rewards; these are tangible graces and virtues that God has given them to bless their generation with (Matthew 10:41, Hebrews 5:4). While it is important that ministers of the gospel should freely give as they have freey received, there is an instruction of wisdom on how they should be received and treated by the recipients of their ministries (Matthew 10:8, 41-42, Galatians 6:6).
When it comes to giving honourarium to a minister of the gospel, you should do it with honour. Actually, you cannot pay a minister of God, no matter what you give. You are only honouring the grace they carry, appreciating their efforts and labours, and also showing yourself a person of honour. It takes a person of honour to honour others (Matthew 10:10-13, 1 Timothy 5:17, 1 Peter 2:17).
It is important to note that you are not under pressure to give to a man of God, but you also need to understand the place of going out of your way to do so. Don’t budget and prepare for every other thing minus the honourarium or seed to a man of God. I don’t think you should invite a minister of God that you cannot properly honour; even if the person is your friend. It is not about the minister. It is about who and what He represents (2 Kings 4:8-11, Matthew 10:40-42).
How you give is as important as what you give. Don’t use a torn or dirty envelope. Don’t tuck it into his hands as if you are giving a bribe. If possible, let the most senior leader in the church present it the right way. You should also make a habit of honouring servants of God with your substance; whether you go to meet them or they come to meet you (1 Samuel 9:6-10, 2 Kings 4:8-11, Galatians 6:6-7). Great shall be your reward. Amen!
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria