Stop Merchandising the Gospel!

In an age where the Gospel is increasingly being treated as a commodity, it is vital to return to the biblical standard set by Jesus and the apostles. Many pastors, preachers, and teachers have turned ministry into a business, charging for sermons, books, and spiritual teachings while pressuring their congregations for financial support. But is this practice supported by the New Testament? The answer is a resounding no. Jesus Himself made it clear that we should use our spiritual giftings to minister to others freely:

"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." (Mat 10:8)

This command was not limited to miracles but applied to all aspects of spiritual ministry. Just as Christ and His apostles ministered without charge, so should His followers today.

Paul’s Example: Preaching Without Charge

The apostle Paul, though he had the right to receive financial support, refused to solicit money for his spiritual labors. Instead, he worked with his own hands and relied only on voluntary gifts. He explicitly stated:

"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." (1 Cor 9:18)

Paul saw it as an abuse of his power to ask for financial support for his preaching. He further emphasized this point when asking the Corinthians:

"Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?" (2 Cor 11:7)

He even went so far as to say that he would rather die than allow his ministry to be associated with financial gain (1 Cor 9:15). Unlike modern preachers who build personal wealth through the Gospel, Paul sought no financial gain for himself. Instead, when he raised money, it was for the needs of others, such as the poor saints in Jerusalem (Rom 15:25-26).

Furthermore, Paul made it clear that ministers should not burden those they serve:

"Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children." (2 Cor 12:14)

If Paul refused to burden Believers financially, how much more should ministers today follow his example? After all, he instructed us:

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (1 Cor 11:1)

A Warning Against False Teachers Who Make Merchandise of Men

Scripture strongly warns against those who use ministry as a means for financial gain. Peter exposed such individuals, saying:

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." (2 Pet 2:1-3)

Covetous preachers who solicit money, sell their teachings in the form of books or otherwise, and pressure Believers into financial contributions are not following Christ’s example—they are exploiting God’s people. This is a sign of unbelief, as they do not trust God to provide for them without manipulation.

The Biblical Balance: Ministers May Receive Support, But Never Solicit It

While Scripture condemns the solicitation of money for ministry, it does allow for ministers to receive voluntary financial support. Jesus said:

"And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire." (Luke 10:7)

Paul also affirmed this principle:

"Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." (1 Cor 9:14)

Yet, he never used this as an excuse to demand financial support. Instead, he made clear that he would rather work than risk causing anyone to stumble:

"Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you." (2 Thes 3:8)

So while it is acceptable for Believers to freely support ministers, it is wrong for ministers to solicit that support.

Conclusion: Trust God, Not Manipulation

If we truly believe that God provides, then there is no need to beg, pressure, or sell the Gospel. The practice of merchandising the Word of God is a sign of unbelief and a perversion of true ministry. Paul set the example: he preached without charge, trusted in God’s provision, and never sought personal gain from the Gospel. If we are to follow Christ and His apostles, we must reject the business-driven model of modern ministry and return to freely giving what we have freely received. Let the Gospel be proclaimed—not sold!