READ: 1 Corinthians 9:7-19
“For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all...” – 1 Corinthians 9:19
The lay ministry, otherwise called the tent ministry, enables you to be free from all men.
Many times people who give money develop an attitude because of the size of their donations. The prophets were warned, “Don’t be afraid of their faces.” This is because the facial expressions of people often intimidates us. There are times when the fact of our being tent ministers eliminates the need for people’s gifts and donations, thereby eliminating these bad attitudes. The tent ministry enables you to enter the ministry whether finances permit it or not.
Paul said, “Woe is me if I preach not the gospel.”
Sometimes we do not have a choice! We have to do His will whether there is a salary or not. That is exactly how I feel. I do not think that I have a choice. I am bound to obey God. I feel that if I do anything apart from preaching His Word, God will destroy me. I have heard other pastors say the same thing.
The tent ministry will ensure that you play a part in this great ministry.
Many of us may never play a part in building the kingdom unless we do it as lay people. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all evangelists? Are all pastors? Obviously not! But thank God you can support yourself and make a significant contribution to the ministry as a tent minister.