BECAUSE HE IS WORTHY – A MISSION MONTH REFLECTION

There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk about - something sensitive, something rarely discussed, but deeply important. It’s about the financial reality of full-time Gospel worker. This Mission Month, I want to dedicate these words to all of you - pastors, missionaries, full-time workers - who have said “yes” to the call of Christ, often at great personal cost.

I still remember the day I told my mother I was called to full-time ministry. Her immediate response was, “Are you sure you can support your family?” This was not a hostile question - it was a worried one, shaped by love and concern.

 I’ve heard similar stories from others. A young man, training to be a doctor, told his parents he wanted to be a missionary. They said, “Why not remain a doctor? You can support more missionaries that way.” He did. He became a successful doctor. But as far as I know, he hasn’t supported any missionaries. His income - meant for generosity - disappeared into the condo, the cars, the cats, and the comfort of urban life. That’s not judgment. It’s a cautionary tale.

The truth is, many missionaries and pastors are not well supported by churches. When missionaries return home after decades of service, will they still be remembered? Will the church stand with them financially in their ageing years? Many pastors, even after years of sacrificial ministry, earn less than a fresh graduate in the corporate world. I myself have been invited to preach in countless churches across denominations over the past 25 years. The honorarium has rarely risen above $200 per sermon. It’s not about the money - but what message does this send to those considering this sacred vocation?

If we continue this pattern, what kind of message are we sending to the next generation? When God calls, will they hear Him - or only the echo of financial worry?

We live in a city where money has quietly become an idol. It promises security, status, and stability. But in the Kingdom of God, the greatest riches come not from our bank accounts, but from knowing that we walk in obedience to King Jesus.

So today, I want to say this to every full-time Gospel worker: you are seen. Your quiet sacrifices, your late-night prayers, your relentless giving of yourself - God sees it all. And though you may not wear a title that turns heads or live in a house that impresses others, you carry something eternal.

Yes, there will be trials. There will be seasons of discouragement and times when you ask, “Is it worth it?” But the psalmist reminds us again and again:
“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup.” (Psalm 16:5)

“You alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for our hope is in You.” (Psalm 62:5)

You may not be wealthy in the eyes of the world. But you are rich in grace, rich in joy, and rich in the fellowship of Christ. When you stand at the bedside of a grieving family, when you open the Word to a hungry heart, when you bring the Gospel to the unreached - you are standing in sacred places. This is front row seat to His glory. A foretaste of heaven.

I am a poor rich person. My salary may not turn heads, but I lack nothing. For the greatest treasure is not what I earn, but who I walk with. And I walk with Jesus. To be in His service, to walk in His presence, to taste heaven on earth as we do His will—that is reward enough.

So to all my fellow Gospel workers this Mission Month, whether in the pulpit or in the mission field, whether known or hidden - I honour you. I walk with you. And I thank God for you.

Let’s continue to serve, not for applause, not for comfort, but for Christ alone.

Because He is worthy.

Being His Missional disciple,

Pastor Forest