REMUNERATION

Ever since I have been an LE, discussions have arisen on how the colporteur should be paid.  Some are quick to point out that because the colporteur's job is equal to that of the gospel minister then he should be paid out of the tithe.  Its also been suggested that he be on some form of salary to compensate for his missionary-style work rather than the current form of commission sales.  Currently, the LE is paid on what he sells.  No sell - no pay.  These discussions are nothing new and we would like to visit the days of Ellen White when she commented on this very situation.  It involved the new colporteurs in Europe.

The Swiss Conference was held Sept. 10-14, 1885.  There were about two hundred in attendance.  This meeting was immediately followed by the European Missionary Council, which continued for two weeks.  At these meetings very interesting reports were received from Scandinavia, Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, where the cause of present truth was beginning to gain a foothold.  The reports elicited some animated discussion on the most effective plans for the circulation of our books.  The Scandinavian brethren reported that the sales of literature in their conferences during the preceding  fiscal year had amounted to $1033.  The delegates from Great Britain reported sales amounting to $550.  The Basel office had received on its German and French periodicals $1,010.

Much time was occupied by the colporteurs who had been laboring in Catholic Europe, in relating their experiences and in telling the Council why our literature could not be sold in Europe on the plans that were very successfully followed in America; and it was urged by them that the colporteur must be given a salary, as was done by the leading evangelical societies that were operating in Catholic countries.  Mrs. White was an attentive listener to the reports, which were given mostly in English.  She spoke words of encouragement and cheer in the business meetings and in the early morning meetings gave a series of instructive addresses.  Addressing the workers, she said, "Remember, brethren, in every perplexity, that God has angels still.  You may meet opposition; yea, even persecution.  But if steadfast to principle, you will find, as did Daniel, a present helper and deliverer in the God you serve.  To all who are engaged in the missionary work I would say, Hide in Jesus.  Let not self but Christ appear in all your labors.  When the work goes hard, and you become discouraged and are tempted to abandon it, take your Bible, bow upon your knees before God, and say, ‘Here, Lord, Thy word is pledged.'  Throw your weight upon His promises, and every one of them will be fulfilled."

When the discouraging reports of the colporteurs had reached a climax, she would urge that notwithstanding all these difficulties, the workers must have faith that success would attend their labors.  Repeatedly she assured the disheartened colporteurs that it had been shown her that books could be sold in Europe in such a way as to give support to the workers, and bring to the publishing house sufficient returns to enable it to produce more books.  Encouraged by her assurance that special help would be given those who would persevere in faith, a number of young men were persuaded to make another effort to do self-supporting work in the sale of literature." [LS 283-285]

It has always been my belief that the colporteur is far better off working on commissions than a salary.  This way the sky is the limit in regards to his earnings.  When I worked as a leader in the Maritime Conference, I asked that my leadership wage be structured so that I could sell alongside my workers on a commission basis.  This way, I would remain hungry for the sale rather than be tempted in spending too much time at the office.  Of all my years in the LE work, perhaps my most satisfying experience was under this peculiar leadership format when  I ended up with $93,000 in sales and a number of LE's qualified  for year-end benefits. 

Sister White envisioned it, and today the independent colporteur is living the life of the self- supporting evangelist.  Apostle Paul made tents rather than burden down the brethren with salary demands; we sell books and should ask no wages of anyone.  "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might ..."

[Ecc 9:10]

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