The Bible is filled with teachings on how we, as the people of God, are called to care for one another. This commandment extends to every area of our lives, including our physical, spiritual, and financial well-being. One significant aspect of this is the care of those who serve in ministry—the priests in the Old Testament and the preachers and pastors in the New Testament.

But is this just an ancient practice, or does it still apply to us today? The question we face is: How should Christians take care of preachers, pastors, and spiritual leaders in today’s world? Let’s dive into what Scripture says about this and explore how we can faithfully uphold this biblical commandment. 

In the Old Testament, God instituted a clear system for how the Israelites were to care for the priests. The tribe of Levi was set apart for the priesthood, and they did not receive a portion of the land like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, they were to be provided for by the tithes, offerings, and sacrifices brought by the people. In Numbers 18:20-21, God says to Aaron, the high priest: 

“You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites. I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.” (NIV) 

The Levites, as priests, were responsible for serving in the tabernacle, offering sacrifices, and maintaining the spiritual health of the people. In return, the people were commanded to provide for the Levites’ material needs. This system was a way of ensuring that the priests could fully devote themselves to the work of God without having to worry about how they would provide for themselves or their families. 

In addition to financial support, the Old Testament community was also called to take care of the physical and spiritual well-being of the priests. Exodus 28 describes the garments that were specifically made for the high priest, signifying their unique role and the honor that came with it. The priests were not only to be provided for materially but also respected, honored, and treated as spiritual leaders. 

We also see that when the Israelites neglected their duty to care for the priests, there were consequences. In the time of Nehemiah, the people stopped giving their tithes, and as a result, the Levites had to abandon their temple duties and return to farming to make a living (Nehemiah 13:10-11). This not only impacted the livelihood of the priests but also the spiritual health of the entire community, as the temple service was neglected. 

The New Testament continues this principle of caring for those who dedicate their lives to the service of God. In 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, Paul writes: 

*“Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”* (NIV) 

Paul emphasizes that just as the priests in the Old Testament were provided for by the people, so too should ministers of the gospel be supported by those they serve. This is not just about financial support but encompasses the broader responsibility to care for the well-being of those who lead and serve in the church. 

In Galatians 6:6, Paul further elaborates:   
*”Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.”* (NIV) 

Paul highlights the importance of not only spiritual reciprocity but also material generosity toward those who teach and lead. Ministry is demanding, and it is the duty of the church to ensure that those who dedicate themselves to shepherding the flock are cared for in every area of life. 

While caring for ministers is vital, the New Testament extends the responsibility of care to the entire church body. We are not just called to take care of the preacher or pastor but to care for each other as the family of God. James 2:15-17 says: 

“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (NIV) 

Our faith compels us to take action—whether that’s caring for the preacher, the poor, or the widow. We are called to meet each other’s needs in tangible ways, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ. 

In Acts 4:34-35, we see an example of this in the early church:   
“There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.” (NIV) 

The early church understood that caring for one another was part of their witness to the world. They shared their resources and ensured that no one in the community was in need. 

Some may wonder if the idea of supporting spiritual leaders is outdated or if it no longer applies to the modern church. However, Scripture makes it clear that this principle is still relevant. While the specific roles may have shifted—pastors, preachers, and teachers have taken the place of Old Testament priests—the call to care for those who lead remains. 

In fact, Hebrews 13:17 encourages us to support and respect our spiritual leaders:   
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (NIV) 

Our responsibility as believers is to ensure that our spiritual leaders are equipped, cared for, and encouraged in their work. When we support them—financially, spiritually, and physically—they can serve with joy and focus, and the entire church benefits from their leadership. 

In today’s world, caring for our preachers, pastors, and spiritual leaders involves several key aspects: 

1. Financial Support   
  Just as the Old Testament priests were supported by the tithes of the people, our pastors and church leaders need financial support. Many pastors dedicate their lives to ministry, often at great personal sacrifice. By providing for their financial needs, we free them to focus on their calling. Many full-time pastors struggled during Covid when many of them had to get jobs because the tithes and attendances dropped.  Can you image what a resume would look like and the stress a Pastor must feel when being a Preacher/Pastor is the only job you have held? Most pastors do not talk about tithes very much, most church people do not want to hear it, but if the members do not tithe then the church cannot do ministry, including taking care of the pastor financially.

2. Spiritual Encouragement   
  Ministry can be spiritually draining. Pastors need the prayers and encouragement of their congregation. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says: “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.” (NIV) Don’t wait for a scheduled holiday to let your pastors know how much you appreciate them. Mark your calendars for October 13, 2024, for Pastor Appreciation.

3. Physical and Emotional Care   
  Pastors are human and experience burnout, fatigue, and emotional struggles like everyone else. We should be attentive to their physical and emotional needs, offering them rest, help, and encouragement. In a smaller church it can be very easy for a Pastor and his family to do everything the church requires, not because they want control but because others won’t.  Every church member should do their part to help the church function, from working the greeter booth, insuring paper products are filled, the building is clean and maintained and caring for other members.  Just attending church on a regular basis. saying amen, encouraging him on the message he delivered are simple ways to encouraging to your Pastor

4. Respect and Honor   
  Show respect and honor for the work they do. Speak kindly of them, support their leadership, and hold them up as examples in the faith. Pastor appreciation comes but once year, but their work is 365 days a year.  
Caring for our pastors and leaders is not just a nice suggestion—it’s a biblical command. Whether through financial support, spiritual encouragement, or emotional care, we are called to ensure that those who shepherd the flock are cared for in return. When we do this, we reflect the heart of Christ and create a healthy, thriving church community. Let us honor and uplift those who lead us, just as God has commanded us to do.

Beyond the care of spiritual leaders, the Bible commands us to care for one another as fellow believers. The early church exemplified this beautifully. Acts 2:44-47 says:

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” (NIV)

The early church was a community that genuinely cared for each other’s physical, financial, and spiritual needs. They didn’t just attend services on Sunday and go their separate ways. They lived life together, shared their resources, and continually encouraged one another in their faith.

Why Don’t We Do This Today?

If this is the biblical model, why do so many Christians today attend church but never participate in the life of the church outside of Sunday services? Why don’t we see the same level of care, community, and connection that the early church experienced?

Several reasons could explain this:

Busyness: Many people feel too busy with work, family, and personal commitments to invest in relationships within the church. They come to church but don’t have the time or energy to engage in deeper fellowship.

Comfort Zones: Some people are introverted or uncomfortable building new relationships, so they avoid church events, Bible studies, and social gatherings.

Individualism: Modern culture often emphasizes individualism and self-sufficiency. People may feel like they don’t need the church community or that they can manage their faith on their own.

Spiritual Apathy: For some, attending church has become a routine rather than a passion. They may not feel deeply invested in their faith or in the spiritual lives of others.

How Can We Change?

To become the kind of church that cares for one another and our spiritual leaders as the Bible commands, we need to make intentional changes. Here are a few ways we can start:

Engage with Your Church Community: Make an effort to participate in the life of the church beyond Sunday services. Join small groups, Bible studies, prayer meetings, or church events. These gatherings foster deeper relationships and provide opportunities to care for one another.

Support Your Pastors: Take time to appreciate and encourage your pastors and spiritual leaders. Pray for them, ask how you can help, and give generously to support them financially. Remember, they are carrying the weight of spiritual responsibility for the congregation.

Live Out the “One Another” Commands: The New Testament is filled with commands to care for one another—love one another, serve one another, bear one another’s burdens. Be intentional about living out these commands in your daily life.

Prioritize Spiritual Growth: Cultivate your relationship with God and with others by studying the Bible together, praying for each other, and holding each other accountable. Spiritual growth happens best in the context of community.

The command to care for our spiritual leaders and for each other is not an outdated practice. It is a biblical mandate that remains just as relevant today as it was in the time of the early church. When we care for our pastors and preachers—financially, spiritually, and physically—we allow them to fulfill their calling with joy and effectiveness. And when we invest in our relationships with fellow believers, we create a church community that reflects the love and care of Christ.

Let us recommit ourselves to being the church God has called us to be—a church that takes care of one another, supports its leaders, and lives out the love of Christ in every area of life. Together, we can transform the church into a place of deep connection, spiritual growth, and mutual care.