What practical steps can we take to implement Galatians 6:6 in our church? Scripture Foundation “But let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.” – Galatians 6:6 Cross-references: • 1 Corinthians 9:11 “If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?” • 1 Timothy 5:17-18 “The elders who lead well are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching…” • Philippians 4:16-17; Hebrews 13:16 What “Share All Good Things” Means • The command is directed to every believer who receives teaching, not only to a church board or finance team. • “All good things” is intentionally broad—covering finances, material resources, hospitality, encouragement, and spiritual support. • The purpose is mutual blessing: teachers are relieved to focus on the Word; hearers mature through generosity (Acts 20:35). Practical Steps for Financial & Material Support • Build a transparent, adequate salary package for pastors and Bible teachers in the annual budget. • Designate a regular “Love Offering” Sunday or online option devoted solely to teaching elders and guest teachers. • Encourage monthly electronic giving for those who prefer automatic faithfulness over forgetful spontaneity. • Adopt the practice of covering conference fees, books, retreat costs, and continuing-education classes for teachers. • Keep a pantry or gift-card fund for surprise needs—so no teacher’s family wrestles privately with groceries, utilities, or car repairs. Practical Steps for Relational & Emotional Support • Write notes, texts, or emails when a sermon applies; quote the specific truth that helped you (Proverbs 25:11). • Celebrate ministry anniversaries and birthdays publicly; speak affirming words in front of children and spouses. • Offer skilled services—mechanical work, accounting, dental, photography—without making the teacher feel indebted. • Create a rotation of families who invite the teaching elder(s) for relaxed meals; guard these evenings from ministry talk if they need a break. Practical Steps for Spiritual Support • Commit to pray by name for teachers; share brief updates of answered prayer for encouragement (Colossians 4:3-4). • Form a confidential intercession team that receives the pastor’s requests each week. • Attend mid-week studies, Sunday classes, and small groups faithfully—showing that the Word is worth the teacher’s labor. • Apply sermons; nothing strengthens a teacher’s heart more than visible fruit (3 John 4). Congregational Structures That Help • Establish a Personnel or Elder sub-team tasked with annual evaluations and merit increases. • Schedule quarterly “State of the Flock” meetings where teachers report spiritual progress and needs—fostering stewardship and accountability. • Maintain a benevolence line item reserved for unexpected crises in a teacher’s household. • Update members on giving trends so no one assumes “someone else is covering it.” Guardrails Against Misunderstanding • Gifts are expressions of obedience, not payment for performance (Luke 17:10). • Sharing is voluntary and cheerful, never pressured (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Transparency in financial handling prevents suspicion and protects the testimony of the church (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Fruit We Can Expect • Teachers freed from material anxiety pour greater energy into prayer and exposition (Acts 6:4). • Givers lay up treasure in heaven and grow in contentment (Philippians 4:17). • The watching community sees a countercultural family that honors those who serve the Word (John 13:35). |
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