Tentmakers

– Pastor Rusty – July 24, 2026

“You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me.” Acts 20:34

In the Apostle’s farewell to the Ephesians he offers up an acknowledgement that he labored among them providing for himself and those who ministered with him. This seems to be overlooked among modern day apostolic perceptions concerning what an apostle is and does. 🤔 He was a tentmaker by trade and was able to use this “gift of work” (from Jim Stovall’s book The Ultimate Gift) to provide for those who are with him. “And he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.” Acts 18:3.

I know this doesn’t fit a lot of modern perceptions about “full time ministry”, but this man did evangelize a great portion of the modern world. I too have a job 🧐 and part owner of a business and believe that my job IS PART Of MY MINISTRY.🤔

I’m amazed at how we have spiritualized an unwillingness to work. “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” I Tim. 5:8. I can’t believe this is in the New Testament.🫢 Many would improve their mental disposition simply by getting a job and going to work. Many of you have too much time on your hands solving the perceived problems of other people… Ooooh! I can’t believe I actually said that.🫣 Be careful you don’t replace prayer with opinion (as if it carries the same weight).

“For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.” II Thes. 3:11. ESV. Wow! I may have kicked the hornet’s nest now. I can’t believe the Apostle Paul thought this was even worth talking about… Unless… he thought this would be an issue for generations to come.🧐 So here’s to all you unemployed prophet$, don’t despise the “Tentmakers season”. Learn the value of work. By doing so you will experience a classroom of faith that alludes many of the “hirelings” floating around the church today. 👍❤️🙏

Pastor Rusty.

Image created by Belinda with AI