Is it wrong to charge for marriage counseling?
Question:
Hi Jeffrey,
I hope you are well.
I have this desire to be a counselor on relationships and marriage, Also, I have this desire to do public speaking. My dream is to help people in these areas while serving God.
I have signed with someone, who does these things, to mentor me in these areas. My question is: Am I wrong if I get paid for helping fix broken marriages and am called upon to speak at seminars?
Do you have any materials to help in this area of counseling? It will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Answer:
"For it is written in the Law of Moses, 'You shall not muzzle the ox while he is treashing.' God is not concerned about oxen, is He?" (I Corinthians 9:9).
"For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is treashing," and 'The laborer is worthy of his wages'" (I Timothy 5:18).
The quoted passages establish the right of preachers and elders to be paid for the work that they do, but the principle is broader. When you do work to benefit others, there is a right to be paid for that work. The laborer might choose to forgo pay, but it is wrong to demand someone to work without some form of compensation.
Thus, if you are a counselor and public speaker and wish to charge for your services, that is your right.
In regards to marriage counseling material, see:
