Is it okay for a Minister to charge a fee to a couple he is marrying and keep all the money for himself personally, even though he might use resources of the church, such as the Secretary, the church's utilities, not to mention the building and sanctuary itself in providing this service? What do other churches and ministers do with this issue?
2007-03-26 04:45:14 · 14 answers · asked by lmnop 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A lot of Churches charge a fee for the usage of the building. When the churches come up with this charge they include utilities and other various resources that could be consumed when the building is in use.
In the cases when Churches don't charge for the use, possibly members of the church, (but this isn't always the case) then it is justified because the member is a regular contributor to the finances of the church and the facilities have been deemed for usage for the members.
I personally do not have a set a charge but if the couple asks I tell them that I will accept a gift but do not have a charge for the service.
2007-03-26 04:57:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ministers don't make a whole lot of money anyway, so I wouldn't have any objection to them earning a little extra for weddings, I think that's why they should also be tipped besides, they usually leave their families on a Saturday to spend their time with you and your family because you requested it. It's not part of the job, it's an added requirement. I think your splitting hairs and as for the use of the Church and facilities it's more the ones getting married that are creating the need and they are also members of the church so they are entitled to that use. These are all things I feel churches are for besides a house of worship which is what marriage is after all another way of praising the lord by following his laws.
2007-03-26 11:59:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
IMO the ministers fee is his to do w/ as he sees fit or however he feels that God is directing. I personally don't know any ministers who charge a set fee, but it is customary to give them a monetary gift. Personally, I would give a tithe to the church if I were the minister. Some churches charge rental fee's & this should offset the cost of the utilities etc. I fail to see what the church secretary might have to do with any of this that would not fall under her job description, for which she is already compensated.
2007-03-26 14:02:58 · answer #3 · answered by wanda3s48 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Given most minister's salaries are fairly low and that people tend to choose the church that they attend, I really don't see the problem with keeping a small fee.
Now if the church chosen is not one where the couple have "membership" a donation or rental fee may be appropriate, but that would make the church a profit organization.
2007-03-26 11:51:48 · answer #4 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just the right thing to do - You should always bring a gift before the Man of God - Doesnt matter what the church feels. You can never go wrong by blessing the Man of God.
Phil 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
2007-03-26 11:53:23 · answer #5 · answered by Dr. Linder 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most churches do have a fee for the use of the church, and that is determined by the appropriate board of the church.
In some cases that may include the ministers fee, in some cases it doesnt.
2007-03-26 11:51:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the bible there is not such church with these expenses adn secretaries and the such. Church was a group of people and they met in houses. So your question is irrelevant in the spiritual sense. In the other sense, well, church seems to be a business where people make salaries adn so forth, so whatever goes in the secular world will go in church.
2007-03-26 11:57:57 · answer #7 · answered by IKB 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No it's not. If there is a separate fee for the Church then its OK but otherwise it should be shared. A larger portion should go to the minister unless they are using the skills of the choir or organist.
2007-03-26 11:50:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would depend on the church's government and bylaws. Some churches charge fees for the use of the facility and staff. Others only charge a fee for the staff. It varies from church to church.
2007-03-26 11:49:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, my main problem with churches is that they aren't treated more like regular businesses. The no taxes thing is the salient issue. But considering the fact that we're used to paying fees for every trivial service, why not for marriage? And yeah, I'd think some of it should go to the church itself whose facilities he's using, but that's really up to the church I suppose.
2007-03-26 11:54:50 · answer #10 · answered by jonjon418 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋