Something that I have been noticing recently, that has not been sitting well with me are those that are attempting to be (and they very well may be) Titus 2 women, but are charging for their ministry to other women. I’ve seen it a LOT online wherein forums are charged for use, or you must buy a product to belong to their forum or you must buy their ideas, recipes, schedules. Anyone else notice this trend? Is this biblical?
Pro 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
1 Cor. 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
There is no mention of charging for ministry in the New Testament, however there are scriptures that do speak of giving to those that do so… although not REQUIRED.
1 Corinthians 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
Luke 10:2-8 “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:”
As you can see, there is no set amount to give.
If it wasn’t for God’s provision, my forum wouldn’t exist at cmomb.com, nor would this blog. But they both belong to God and He would want me to share in a Titus 2 way without charge.
What are your thoughts on the topic?
Tags: Bible Truths, Titus 2
Christian Moms
Is it right to charge to be a mentor? Well, that would depend on who you are asking. Magazines such as Keepers at Home charge and they minister to the titus 2 lady. Forums, if it is has become a hardship to the person, then I could see charging a nominal fee. But, if it is a “ministry” then no, I do not think it is right or even biblical, though I do not have scripture to back it up. Back to my one comment, if it has become a burden financially, I think God would either make a way for it to be there without charging the very people that are being ministered to. If not, then maybe it is not for that person to be doing. But this is just all my opinion.
I’m remided of a song I learned years ago. ‘Freely, freely you have received. Freely, freely give. Go in my name and because you believe, others will know that I live.’
I have noticed it also, and I thought I was the only one bothered by it. I think that God shows us and teaches us things so that we can show and teach others (mentoring). I would not be comfortable charging(requiring money) for that information. Especially when I think of the women who are so desperate for the instruction but may not have the means (or it may not be usuing their funds in the way God intended for it at the time). This for me goes along the lines of the christian financial counselors who charge outrageous amount of money to help people get out of debt- I just do not understand it. Maybe I would not have as much of a problem with the mentoring if it was a requested donation. Then again much of the info I find on the sites you can get just about anywhere and look up scripture so…..(not all but a lot of it).
Ginger I do see your point also though, is it different if it is a magazine or book charging for the product (which contains biblical mentoring)- humm I had not thought about this I will have to spend some time on it.
I always wonder when I see stuff like that …
if Paul, John and Peter etc had copyrighted and charged for their letters and thoughts would we have the bible at all, or as we know it today?
I think some people unknowingly call what they sell a “ministry” and in reality they are really running a business thinking “my business ministers..” they may not understand the difference. It could be that these people are completely unaware of any wrong doing being perceived by another.
You really have to decide where your heart is when you start either, and know the difference between ministry (as the world thinks of it: free), and business.
I think there are some people who would like to run a “ministry” and don’t have the personality to suggest donations be made; therefore they should call what they do a business if they charge, but either way, we should set it straight in our own hearts that ministries do cost money and stop thinking we have the “right” to receive things free.
Only God knows where the hearts of people are when they run a business or ministry. If you feel God leads you and know them, go to them in confidence and ask. If it’s not well received and you have a bad feeling, move on!
Leave them to God! Continue to learn and grow where God has called YOU.
I understand there are people that sell the Word. My thought is bibles should be free, but are they? They are the single most expensive book in a bookstore.
Well, that’s where my thoughts are. : )
Theresa
Dh frequently comments that some \"ministers\" or \"missionaries\" at times almost seem to covet money from others. Paul likely did not request money from folks, but we have evidence of him working for it.
I believe that it is an innocent mistake on the parts of these women, as there is an extreme need for Titus 2 older women today!
I agree also, that charging for a book or magazine is somewhat different, but I sure do appreciate it when wise women freely share their tips and advice!
I found your site through Generation Cedar and I\’m enjoying browsing through! =)