Anyone get a straight answer on this yet?

I guess this all comes down to really one question regarding what the Bible teaches about money and ministry. So what ministry can you sell?

Why do you ask that question?

I just really like to know.

What do you think the answer to that question is?

Well, I'm asking. That's why I came to a college professor. This is what you do.

What other kinds of answers have you gotten?

A lot of like this where you're not answering. I've gotten a lot of that.

I think it's interesting that you say that some of the people you've interviewed have been reluctant to answer it. And I think that has a lot to do with the questions that preceded it and the way that you've conducted yourself in the interview.

How have I conducted myself?

How do you think you've conducted yourself?

You just really don't want to answer the questions, do you?

I came today very willing and enthusiastic about answering questions about charging for ministry, which is what I do.

Defining Ministry as a Business

So you wanted to answer questions about charging for ministry. So the first answer you should be able to provide is what exactly is ministry?

For me, it's actually a really simple answer, and that's a business that identifies as a ministry.

So what are they identifying as?

As a ministry.

So what is that?

As a ministry.

Do you know what a circular definition is?

I do.

It's sort of like what you're doing right now, where ministry is a ministry.

Because you're seeking what we would call in my field of work an essentialist definition of ministry. I think it sounds like you would like me to give you a set of biblical or theological characteristics that are associated with one ministry or the other.

I'm not seeking any type of definition. I'm just seeking a definition.

Yeah, and I gave you one.

Well, now I can say I've been to college. Glad I didn't pay for it. Is there anyone willing to give me a straight answer?