A side bar on the side bar

Over the next few weeks I've got a number of outside speaking engagements. I try to bunch them together in one or two week blocks a couple of times a year. I always feel slightly uncomfortable when it comes to being paid. I have a good friend who recently spoke at a large conference (not the one you're thinking of) who was asked 'Why are you speaking here?', To which he replied 'I'm strapped for cash after Christmas and need the money'. I wholeheartedly appreciate his honesty. The man in question is not overly well paid and has a family to support.

I once heard Phillip Jensen speak to a group of younger pastors in London where he warned of the usual dangers to ministers: sex, power, drink and money. The money issue was the one that stuck in my mind. Phillip's point was if you are paid comfortably by your church when you speak out don't take the money yourself, get it paid to the church. I remember there being some come back but the advice has been like gold dust. His point was if you accept the money from speaking out regularly, in the end you don't know why you are accepting the engagements. If someone is speaking out for the cash regularly (unlike my friend I hasten to add) that then comes dangerously close to warnings of 1 Timothy.

I don't do enormous amounts of speaking out but a couple of years ago I took a church weekend. In all honesty I microwaved 4 talks I'd already preached on the Friday (maximum 3 hours warm up time)  and then delivered them. As I was away from home, out came all my best illustrations. At the end of the weekend I was handed an envelope with a cheque inside for £700. Now the next time I'm asked by the church to speak what am I thinking?! You can probably guess!

After hearing Phillip speak I determined that if I preached out the church would get my expenses and if I have a problem with what I earn I would take it up with my elders and deacons. I realise I'm fortunate in that I'm paid well by the church I serve. Others are not so fortunate. When my brother was church planting the only way he could meet the bills was to preach out regularly.

I think it is a legitimate question for our elders and deacons to ask, if we're preaching out regularly what's happening with the cash?

Hebrews 13:5