In Judges 17 was the story of a Levite who left his domain (Levite cities) to find “some other place to stay” (7-8). In simple terms, he went for a “greener pasture.” He needed a better life and a better income. He landed in the hands of Micah, who stole his mother’s money and, when recovered or refunded, was used to make an idol. When this Levite came looking for a job, he was employed to be a father, a priest over a shrine of idols, was paid ten shekels of silver per annum, and given clothes and food (10). Then a better offer came. One day, the Danites came on an invasion, saw this Levite, the idol, the ephod, and the household gods, and took over by force. When the Levite tried to resist because he was under another employment, they warned him to keep quiet and asked which was better: to be the pastor of one household, or of a whole clan or tribe. Of course, the answer was obvious. Judges 20:20 said, “then the priest was glad.” It is juicier to pastor a tribe than a household.

 

This story raises some ministerial/ethical questions. Under what circumstances should a pastor seek to leave his church for another one? Should financial remuneration and material inducement be a factor in accepting a pastoral call or transfer? Should money be a point of excitement at all? Is it right to pastor a family (or a family-controlled church) and be paid for our ministerial service by a family rather than a church – a real church? Is it not important for the pastor to find out the background of a church before pastoring it? Is it not right for a pastor to check out the sources of a member’s wealth before accepting to be ‘spoilt’ by that member with money and gifts?

 

Whatever our answers are, welfare or well-being is an important issue for anyone, whether or not they are a pastor. I tell you, it is not easy pastoring in poverty. But let us settle it: we must never be like Demetrius in Acts 19:23-26, whose concern was not really for the goddess Diana or her worship; his concern for starting a riot is “Men, you know we receive a good income from this business” (v25). When God and ministry become just “business,” then there is danger ahead for the Christian ministry.

Dr Ezekiel Ajibade