It’s a question that’s uncomfortable, maybe even offensive to some, but it’s one worth asking: Would you still serve God with the same zeal and commitment if you received no financial support for doing so?
We’ve created a modern church culture where ministry has, in many ways, become a career path. Pastors are salaried, churches are run like organizations, and offerings often resemble revenue streams. But what if all of that was stripped away? What if the tithes stopped flowing? Would your fire for the Lord burn just as bright?
The Early Church Didn’t Run on Salaries
In the book of Acts, we see a church fueled not by budgets and buildings but by boldness and the Holy Spirit. Paul, the apostle who wrote much of the New Testament, didn’t rely on a church salary. In fact, he deliberately worked as a tentmaker to avoid burdening the believers (Acts 18:3; 1 Corinthians 9:12). He did this to show that the message of Christ could not be bought or sold—and neither should our dedication to it.
Today, many in ministry would struggle without regular income from tithes and offerings. And let’s be honest: for some, ministry has become a means of comfort and security, not sacrifice. But is that the model Christ left us?
Ministry vs. Marketplace
Let’s say the offering plate dries up tomorrow. The church building is sold. There’s no paycheck, no housing allowance, no conference honorariums. Would you still preach? Still counsel? Still visit the sick? Still teach the youth? Would you still give it your all?
This isn’t just about pastors either. It’s for the worship leader, the ministry director, the speaker, the content creator, the missionary. If no one ever paid you again, would you keep going?
Or has ministry become a job rather than a calling?
Where Your Treasure Is…
Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21, KJV). So the real question is: where is your treasure? In the eternal reward of serving Christ? Or in the temporary security of a paycheck?
If the applause stops, if the lights dim, if your name fades from the church bulletin—will you still serve?
A Needed Heart Check
This post isn’t meant to condemn. It’s meant to stir something deeper. To challenge motives. To expose where we’ve let money, position, or recognition become intertwined with our obedience.
Serving God should never depend on compensation.
Faithfulness is proven not in what we gain from ministry, but in what we’re willing to give up for it.
Final Thought: What If God Is Testing You?
Sometimes, God allows seasons of scarcity to test whether our devotion is genuine. Not to punish—but to purify.
If you’re in ministry today—paid or unpaid—pause and ask yourself: Would I still serve if no one ever paid me again?
If your answer is yes, praise God. If not, maybe it’s time to realign your heart with the Savior who gave everything… for free.