In the New Testament, the early church established guidelines for providing support to individuals within the Christian community. These guidelines were particularly focused on widows and church leaders, ensuring that resources were allocated to those truly in need and those serving faithfully.

Support for Widows

The Apostle Paul provides specific instructions regarding the support of widows in 1 Timothy 5:3-16. He emphasizes the importance of honoring widows who are truly in need, distinguishing between those who have family to care for them and those who do not. Paul writes, "Honor the widows who are truly widows" (1 Timothy 5:3). He further clarifies that a widow who is truly in need is one who is left alone, has set her hope on God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day (1 Timothy 5:5).

Paul advises that younger widows should not be enrolled for church support, as they may desire to remarry and thus become idle or distracted from their faith commitments (1 Timothy 5:11-13). Instead, he encourages them to remarry, bear children, and manage their households (1 Timothy 5:14). The church is instructed to support widows who are at least sixty years old, have been faithful to their husbands, and are well known for their good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in distress, and devoting themselves to every good work (1 Timothy 5:9-10).

Support for Church Leaders

The New Testament also outlines the qualifications for church leaders, who are often supported by the church community. In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Paul writes, "The elders who lead well are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and, 'The worker is worthy of his wages'" . This passage underscores the principle that those who dedicate themselves to the ministry of the Word and leadership within the church should be supported materially by the congregation.

In addition to financial support, church leaders are expected to meet certain moral and spiritual qualifications. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, Paul lists the qualifications for overseers and elders, which include being above reproach, faithful to their spouse, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. They must manage their own household well and have a good reputation with outsiders.

General Principles

The overarching principle in the New Testament regarding church support is stewardship and discernment. The church is called to wisely manage its resources, ensuring that support is given to those who are genuinely in need and those who are faithfully serving the body of Christ. This reflects the early church's commitment to caring for its members while maintaining the integrity and mission of the Christian community.