Should I support my Pastor if there is not enough left to feed my family?

Answer:

I hear your heart as you ask about your priorities in providing for the Pastor, and not having enough over for your family and yourself.

The answer is simple and of God.

The Bible teaches us that of our income, we need to support the Church (Pastor/Ministry) with 10% of our income, and live on 90% of our income. If you have income of 100 dollars, then pay your tithe, that is give to the Church ten percent of your income. The Church should then pay the Pastor from what they have in the bank.

You live on the 90% left over.

Whatever you total income is you can figure it out from my example, and then God will be pleased with you, and your family will be able to eat. 

If the Pastor is not happy, then tell him that the Bible says we are to support the Church with one tenth of our income. If individuals pay the Pastor directly, this leaves the Pastor with a lack of accountability to the Congregation. The Bible teaches in 1 Corinthians 14:40 "Let all things be done decently and in order."

The Tithe is the Biblical recommendation for followers of God.

Offerings are over and above the tithe, and are optional. More than the tithe is purely your own choice, if you have it to give.

Something to think about: If ten families tithe to the Church, then the total money given by them is the average of those people's income, and equals one person's full income. So from ten families there is enough to pay the pastor.

The Church has costs to pay for buildings, utilities and maintenance. It may take more than twenty families to cover the cost of both, running the Church and paying the Pastor.

Here are some Bible references for you.

Deuteronomy 14:22 "Thou shalt surely tithe all the increase of thy seed, that which cometh forth from the field year by year."

Malachi 3:10 "Bring ye the whole tithe into the store-house, that there may be food in my house, and prove me now herewith, saith Jehovah of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

1 Corinthians. 16:2 "Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come."