Many young ministers are of the view that it’s their church and that they are solely responsible for its financial destiny and future. Over the years we have seen quite a number of Pastors who went into full-time ministry around the age of 20 and now, in their 50s are bitter and disappointed in life.
Many young Pastors are of the opinion that the church should pay for their house rent, children’s school fees, buy them a car, give them a clothing allowance and much more. But this cannot always be possible. Associate Pastors need to understand that the church might not be able to fully fund their entire lifestyle so they will need additional source of income to supplement whatever they are getting from the church.
Many churches don’t encourage associate Pastors to do additional work to make money to survive. If you are not lazy and ignorant you should be able to combine ministry and business. The allowance you get from the church will not be able to take your children to good school, give you decent accommodation and a financial future so you must wake up and do something.
Churches and ministries must start educating Pastors along this line. It is very possible for an associate Pastor to be an owner of a business and still do ministry effectively. Young Pastor, associate Pastor, don’t let your denomination ruin your life and that of your family. Your children deserve to be in the best school and get the best education. You must plan your life and that of your children.
You can’t blame your denomination for the state of your life. Your denomination doesn’t owe you anything. In fact those who are part of a denomination have an advantage to make it. Set up your wife in business. I was amazed to see a Pastor who is in the catfish business and doing ministry effectively, supporting his family, taking his children to vacation in Europe and at the same time is the biggest giver in his church. This Pastor is one of the finest preachers we have in Ghana.
If your faith and ministry can’t generate the finances, please find something to do that can bring in additional income.
Ministry and denomination must not destroy your life. It is never the will of God for your life to suffer in the name of ministry. We must encourage young Pastors and associates to have businesses and also do ministry at the same time.
In the next few years people are going to rebel and think that the church has deceived them. My dear Pastor, work hard, take your kids to a good school, take care of your family, have a comfortable life and don’t die in the name of ministry and denomination.
Dr Philip Aryee
