Episode 104 The Gospel Is Free, But Ministry Costs Something

In this episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, Tim and Drew tackle a conversation that stirs up tension in modern church culture: Why do so many Christians resist paying for Christian resources, conferences, books, or even consistently giving to their local church—while freely paying for secular products, subscriptions, and entertainment?

Yes—the gospel is absolutely free. But ministry costs time, effort, and money. This conversation breaks down why viewing ministry through a “should be free” lens is damaging both to churches and to our spiritual growth. Tim and Drew dig into the biblical foundation of generosity, the misconceptions around Christian resources, and the importance of valuing spiritual growth just as much as we value other areas of life.

They also discuss the cultural discomfort around money and church, why some people distrust giving, and how reframing generosity can unlock both personal freedom and greater impact for the Kingdom.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why should I give?” or “Why does this Christian event/book/course cost money?”, this episode is for you.

Listen on Spotify https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/eyesonjesus/episodes/The-Gospel-Is-Free–But-Ministry-Costs-Something-e34r5kh

Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/xfOnD_e2xSg

Below is an AI generated blog post based on the episode

Title: The Gospel is Free, But Ministry Costs Something

Introduction

In today’s world, particularly within the American culture, money often becomes an idol and a source of contention, especially when discussing its role in ministry. It’s a delicate balance that can stir up diverse opinions. On this episode of the Eyes on Jesus podcast, Drew and Tim dive into a conversation exploring the costs associated with ministry, the misconceptions that often surround church finances, and the biblical perspective on giving.

But Isn’t the Gospel Free?

The gospel, indeed, is free. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that salvation comes by grace through faith, and it is a gift of God. However, the work of ministry—the spreading of the gospel and the edification of the church—requires resources. This is a tension that’s often misunderstood and leads to critical viewpoints, with phrases like “why pay for Christian content when the gospel is free” being thrown around. But as Drew and Tim point out, this is an oversimplified argument that overlooks the practicalities involved in ministry.

Understanding the Costs of Ministry

Ministry costs come from necessity, not greed. Events like conferences, church programs, and outreach initiatives require event spaces, materials, speakers, and oftentimes food to truly be effective. The value provided through these channels warrants financial support, just like any other service or resource we find beneficial in our lives.

“Ministry costs money. It’s about time, energy, and effort,” Tim reiterates on the podcast. “There’s no subsidy from the government on, this requires support from the community.”

The Value of Giving

The New Testament sets a precedent for financial support in ministry. Luke 10:7 states that “the worker deserves his wages,” and Paul accepted support from churches during his ministry, although strategically deciding when to take it.

Drew encourages listeners to reassess their priorities, comparing how quickly we spend on secular services and goods versus supporting the spiritual work that benefits our lives and communities. He urges support for pastors, many of whom are greatly underpaid compared to their workload and impact, by recognizing the value they bring to our lives.

Transparency Builds Trust

One of the core issues in the negative perception of church funding is a lack of trust, often born from seeing a spotlight on the outliers—those few who misuse funds or profit excessively. However, many churches are earnest in their financial transparency, eager to show how contributions are utilized not only for operational needs but also for community support and global missions.

Tim mentions a personal approach of sharing full financial transparency with church attendees to underscore accountability and foster trust in the church’s stewardship.

Reconsidering Our Giving

In conclusion, Drew and Tim challenge listeners to take an honest assessment of their spending and their contributions to their church or ministry. They ask, “Do you see value? Do you trust the organization with your resources? If you do, then contribute.”

The truth is, the church requires resources to function effectively and fulfill its mission on earth, and those resources come from the members who believe in its purpose. Supporting your local church or ministry ensures that the gospel can continue to spread and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that ministry requires financing—just as every other organization or entity does. If you find value in your local church, conference, or Christian content, consider your role in supporting it. After all, the ministry’s ability to reach more people and enrich the community depends on collective generosity. As you go through this week, take stock of where your money is going and ask yourself if it aligns with your values and faith.

By reflecting on the points discussed in the podcast, it becomes clear that while the gospel itself is free, facilitating ministry is a shared responsibility that calls for thoughtful investment and stewardship from all who partake in its fruits.