This post is inspired by some profound words of Renee Hammond, and Curt Harlow's big screen TV
As someone who's income is based upon support given by a team of individuals, it is really easy to feel that part of the Call into ministry includes carrying the cross eternal poverty and financial martyrdom. Simply put to be in ministry means you will be poor.
Always.
But this is not true and it's not biblical. Full time vocational ministry is a worth-while career, and it is worth being paid to do. Paul wrote to Timothy, a young pastor, that "the scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and, 'The laborer deserves to be paid'" (1Tim 5:18) quoting from Deuteronomy 25:4 and Jesus' teaching in Luke 10:7. Jesus lived and funded his ministry on support (Luke 8:3). Paul lived on support, and only did tent making when the people were too immature (new) in their faith to properly support him. (1 Cor 9:1-14)
As ministers we should not live or work with this thrifty, cut-corners, cheap poverty mentality. We are not called to be poor. We are called to be good stewards with our resources, but that call is for all followers of Christ. James writes that those who teach will be judged harsher (James 3:1) but is in regards to how we are viewed by others, and does not mean ministers should be poor, but that they should set a good example in how to wisely spend money. A poverty mentality is not beneficial to God's call on our lives.
Honestly we have this concept of ministers being financial martyrs not based on scripture, but our own uneasiness with money and our belief in the American Dream. I have found that our hesitancy is rooted in our insecurity of humbling ourselves and asking others for help; of being dependent on others rather than being autonomous and self-sufficient. But as much as America may preach that message, when we examine God's word He says the exact opposite. Even in the OT (Old Testament) the priests and Levites lived off of the sacrifices of the people offered to the Lord.
So while everything in my flesh tries to discourage and resist, I choose to live on support, to provide for my family on support, and not to be poor.
