If people in ministry have not learned the principals of tithing, giving, exercising our authority in prayer in the financial realm, dispatching angels, binding devils,and putting pressure on prayer and promises, all that is left, is the desperate, manipulative ways of man, as they sidle alongside potential donors, attempting to get their ministry needs met.
From the age old ‘selling of indulgences to rescue perishing souls from purgatory’, to the latest book or tape offer, ministers have used various techniques attempting to get people to give them money. It is a horrible sight, and brings great reproach to the gospel…
Yes, those of us who preach the gospel and who live by the gospel, are worthy of support, and yes, we depend upon the donations of God’s people that we might Go into all the world…
In a church, this is simple, people are conditioned to ‘bring their whole tithe into the storehouse’, and this offering supplies for staff support, lights, building, etc.
Yet, what about those of us who are five fold ministers, who are not pastors? There are four other ministry offices represented in the Body of Christ, and each of these is worthy of financial support.
In a perfect world I guess, everyone in the kingdom, would tithe and give offerings, and there should be such an abundance in the house of the Lord, that missions are easily funded, evangelistic crusades are paid for, compassionate ministries (hospitals, schools, orphanages, food banks, prison outreaches etc) are funded, and elders are only concerned with managing money well enough to ensure everything flows correctly, so that there is no lack of supply for kingdom initiatives, but for those of us serving as leaders in the Body, we quickly discover the brutal truth – many of God’s people do not tithe, and there are huge screaming financial needs all around us as we try to alleviate human suffering, and we need to be aggressively in the face of God to both ensure our personal needs are met, and then the needs of the helpless we are called to serve.
In the book of Acts, clearly the work of God was demonstrated in great power, and there was no financial lack:
Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
I have learned that I MUST consistently obey and demonstrate great power with God among people, and great grace and supply supernaturally happens. It takes the power of God to shake devils free of the money they control!
And yet we see the fund-raising appeals, the telemarketing letters, the tele-thons, and the carefully planned meetings with potential donors…Ministers chasing money, instead of people with money chasing them!
We do a yearly missions banquet, where we show pictures of our missions trips, and present our vision for the upcoming year. We post often on Social Media, and send out a monthly newsletter, showing what God is doing through us, and encouraging people to give.
Gal 6:6 AMP The one who is taught the word [of God] is to share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his spiritual and material support]
This is why I stay faithful to the Word of God, digging deep into mine of revelation contained there, seeking fresh living teaching to feed the people of God, this is why all the books, blogs, and myriads of Social Media posts, this is my way of teaching, training, equipping, and ministering to people the Word of God….
True Faith places pressure on God’s promises in prayer, never upon people.
Holy Spirit is well able to speak to people to give, when our ministry is fully obeying God.
I took the time to research 100 verses promising God’s provision. Here, is the promises that will provide for you, for Jesus is faithful to His word, He cannot lie.
I then took these verses, personalized them, and they have become my sword of the Spirit, my confessions of violent faith as I exercise His authority through His Word, from before His throne, into the earth.
I have learned that as I become more accurate in my Spirit led obedience, God has been faithful to provide what I need, as He graciously deals with others to give into our ministry.
No, as we work, preach, travel, and perform the works of compassion required of us, Holy Spirit will deal with men’s hearts about our support.
