Establishing a Church

You yourselves know that these hands have provided for my needs and for those who were with me. In every way I’ve shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:34‭-‬35 HCSB

Paul was a tent maker. Whilst he travelled and ministered in various places he provided for himself and did not rely on the offerings of others. It is interesting that he said:"it is necessary to help the weak."

Was he referring to 'weak in faith' or 'weak and feeble and unable to work'? Was the fact that he worked a testimony to the lazy and those who would rather live off others. We all know these types of people. Throughout Acts we see where there were offerings for the poor. Did Paul rather work as well as preach so that any gifts he received went to the poor? Perhaps the people He preached to were poor and unable to give.

Paul was a giver. If He was able to do a job and earn a living he would. It is admirable that Paul could do this and still preach. It is admirable that many pastors do this whilst establishing a church. Paul's actions are not saying that all ministers should work as well as preach but He is saying do not hurt the poor if you can work for your own provision.

I have been involved in establishing two churches and in both instances we provided for ourselves. Any offerings were then able to be used to establish the church.