10 of those

Providing for Pastors

In “Providing for Pastors” Jeremy Walker excels in handling this difficult topic with biblical and practical wisdom, reminding the local church of its responsibility to provide financially for the pastor. As a minister myself, I have seen firsthand how local churches are either not able or willing to provide sufficiently for the material needs of the full time pastor that they are hoping to recruit, so there is a strong argument for making “Providing for Pastors” compulsory reading! Throughout the book, Jeremy Walker faithfully refers back to Scripture in reinforcing the biblical argument that the pastor is worthy of his hire and should be provided for accordingly. The author also very helpfully highlights what the London 1689 Baptist Confession has to say about pastors having a comfortable supply so that they do not have to become entangled in secular affairs to find a source of income. There is plenty of useful practical advice for pastors and elders who are engaged in the task of teaching a congregation about this issue, as well as dealing with the pastoral side of likely conversations that will come up as a result of challenging a congregation to provide financially for its pastor. I particularly resonated with the argument that Jeremy Walker makes that no congregation should look at their pastor as a “charity case” or make the pastor feel as such, but rather the financial support should not be one of mercy but of justice, the Pastor is entitled to be paid for his labours! In conclusion “Providing for Pastors” is an excellent little book that deals with a significant live issue that is only likely to become more of a challenge with the current cost of living crisis.

Gareth Dicks, Bible Books Theology