How do we look after those who look after the Church? 

Paul has given Timothy instructions for various groups within the Church. Now he turns to those who are the spiritual leaders, who have oversight of the Church, the shepherds, the Pastors, the Church ministers. I’m saying all that because depending on your journey in Church will determine your experience and use of titles, such as ‘elder’. Don’t get caught up with what that might mean from your experience and realise Paul was speaking of those who rule and teach God’s Word, though he is speaking of those who are paid to lead that church. Ive heard it said over the years that ministers should not be paid but Paul seemingly would disagree. His statement challenges us not only to make sure our ministers are financially cared for and paid well (double honour) but also and even more importantly the value we place on their spiritual leadership.

“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.’” (1 Timothy 5:17-18)

Paul has already written that certain widows were worthy of honour, he goes further, if the teaching/preaching ‘elders who rule well’, then they need to receive double honour. 

When he wrote of the widows he was speaking of their financial support and so we can assume he means the same thing here.

He doesn’t indicate what ruling well means. We may have opinions about what that looks like.

We can presume these are leaders who have proven themselves as capable shepherds, guiding the flock with wisdom and integrity.

The Church must look after them financially. If animals who are working the land need food so does the one who looks after the flock of God. That’s the reason of Paul quoting from the Old Testament. But it is something that Jesus also quoted in Luke 10:7. 

If this is about salary then we have missed the point. Though of course it is saying that those who care for the church should be financially provided for and generously (double honour).

But it is more thank that. It is about honour and support tied to faithful service rather than position alone.

The principle extends beyond senior pastors to include all who labor in teaching and shepherding roles. Youth pastors, worship leaders, children’s ministers, and others who dedicate themselves to biblical instruction and spiritual care deserve both respect and adequate support for their work. Of course a church can only provide what their income allows. Not every church can have paid staff members. The person they need to look after first is their main shepherd, other than the minister themselves has decided on a bi-vocational approach to ministry. So churches give what they can. However, one of the saddest things I see sometimes is when this isn’t happening. The church members are doing well but because they are not tithing (or if they don’t believe in tithing, giving more) their Pastor is struggling, or having to take a second job. Or Churches have a very healthy unrestricted bank balance sitting there for a rainy day, but don’t realise that their Pastor and family are struggling, and this actually is a rainy day right now.

While Paul advocates for honouring elders, this must be balanced with the broader New Testament teaching on servant leadership. The honour described here isn’t about creating a hierarchical system where leaders lord over the congregation, but rather about recognising and supporting those who have chosen to serve others at personal cost.

This honor should be expressed through both attitude and action. Churches should speak respectfully of their leaders, support them in prayer, and provide for their material needs. At the same time, leaders must remember that this honor comes with increased responsibility and accountability before God.

For church leaders, these verses serve as both encouragement and challenge. The promise of honour reminds pastors and elders that their often-difficult work is valued by God and should be valued by the church. At the same time, the emphasis on “ruling well” and “labouring” in teaching calls leaders to examine whether they are truly deserving of such honour.