Episode8
Using Scripture in the face of opposition
It’s possible that you’ll face opposition to the concept of raising support. Scott Morton, International Funding Coach for the Navigators, presents some ways to defend your position, taken straight from Scripture!
Article8
The Bible didn’t change last month
It’s possible that by this point, you may have encountered some resistance, or outright objections to the very idea of raising or living off of support. It is important to be very familiar with your convictions and the Scriptures on this subject because people are most often opposed simply due to a lack of understanding of what the Bible teaches about support raising.
“For it is written in the Law of Moses,’You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.’ Is it for oxen that God is concerned?” –1 Corinthians 9:9 [ESV]
“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.” –Philippians 4:17 [ESV]
I had an example of this occur in my own life recently. An acquaintance and prospective ministry partner mentioned to me that his daughter is called to missions. He then also proudly told me that he is making her plan to follow Paul’s example as a tentmaker and totally fund her own work, so she will not be a drain on other Christians!
Believe it or not, this led to a very peaceful discussion and respectful disagreement about the joy of partnership in the gospel, and how Paul didn’t choose to remain a tentmaker. By God’s grace, I was able to challenge him to dig a bit further into Scripture, while being careful to not suggest that he is a bad father! I didn’t sense the Holy Spirit telling me to invite him to join my support team in that moment, but he did ask for some of my materials. Afterward, it felt like a win for the kingdom, as the discussion was a needed part of each of our ongoing sanctification.
Similarly, it may be helpful for you to have reviewed and become conversant in the biblical examples of supported kingdom workers, including Paul, Jesus, the Levites, and Elijah. Like them, we are workers who deserve to receive financial compensation for our ministry work by other Christians. This isn’t an entitlement, of course, but don’t feel as though you have to apologize for raising funds to provide for your family and ministry.
May God bless you in building your team of ministry partners,
The SRS Team
This Week’s Self-Improvement Challenge
Refresh your biblical response to these questions by reviewing your convictions sheet and notes from SRS Bootcamp sessions 4 and 5. Review your Bible studies or read some articles on the Biblical Encouragement section of the SRS Blog. Afterward practice short, loving responses to possible objections to support raising, so that you are prepared when they arise from your prospective ministry partners.
