Answer: We recognize that there pastors who God has called and gifted who are humbly walking before God in all the light they have. Some of these pastors have fully submitted to this calling by consecrating their lives and have willingly quit their outside jobs.  Some of these humble brethren live by faith on a meager fare (pastor's salary) provided by the local congregation.  Others are bi-vocational, holding down an outside job while pastoring a congregation. We have great respect and appreciation for the sacrifice made by such dedicated persons.

The scriptures teach such sacrifice should not go without proper recompense.  1Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. In an assembly where only one elder exists, it is reasonable for that elder to be compensated for his sacrifice of labor.

However, such situation should be the exception to the rule, and not the rule.  God’s divine pattern for local assemblies of the New Testament church is that they be governed by multiple elders, all sharing in the spiritual oversight of the congregation. In assemblies where only one elder exists, every effort should be made to encourage other qualified individuals to seek such responsibilities (1 Tim 3:1). Singling out one elder and elevating him above the other elders in title or duty responsibilities is a repetition of the apostasy of the New Testament church in her infant years.

We recognize that many sincere people in Bible believing congregations who incorporate the one-pastor position governing model did not get in the state that they are presently in overnight, and they will not be able to fully adapt Biblical Eldership overnight either. A reasoned transition should take place in assemblies where a humble brother has assumed full-time pastoral duties and whose lively hood depends on the gratuity of the saints.