Should pastors be paid a salary?

Question: "Should pastors be paid a salary?"

Answer: A church should definitely provide for the financial needs of its pastor(s) and any other full-time ministers. 1 Timothy 5:17-18, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,' and 'The worker deserves his wages.'” 1 Corinthians 9:14 declares, “In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” If a church is not able to provide sufficient finances for a pastor, then a pastor would have no other choice but to work outside the church to bring in the needed income. This is a regrettable, but sometimes necessary situation. It would be best for a pastor to be full-time so he can fully dedicate himself to the Lord’s work of ministering to and shepherding the congregation.