“The remaining amount will be placed in this new fund to provide for the family’s financial needs,” the campaign said.
The new fundraiser’s goal is $2 million. Over $620,000 has been raised as of this writing. “This isn’t about extravagance,” said Walker in his post. “It’s about survival and stability for a wife and children who sacrificed alongside a husband and father given wholly to ministry.”
“Faithful pastors who reject the false promises of the prosperity gospel rarely become wealthy,” Walker said. “They live modestly, giving their lives to feed the flock of God. Yet when it comes to their own households, many fail to plan adequately for retirement or for the day when their wives and children must go on without them.”
“Even those who do plan wisely often remain silent, fearing they’ll be accused of worldliness if they speak openly about stewardship and financial preparation,” he continued, adding, “The result is a quiet but widespread crisis in the pastorate.”
“I have personally witnessed the heartbreak at funerals where a faithful shepherd was buried, and the grieving widow was left behind with little more than casseroles and condolences,” Walker said. “The church moved on, but she was left carrying the weight of unpaid bills, a mortgage, and children still in need of care. It shouldn’t be this way.”
Walker referenced a number of Bible passages that speak about financial stewardship, including 1 Timothy 5:8, Proverbs 13:22, and Proverbs 27:23-24.
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“This moment is also a test for us as believers,” said Walker. “What does it say about us if we consume a pastor’s sermons, conferences, and books for decades, but then leave his widow to struggle?”
“If we say we value the ministry of men like Voddie Baucham, then our response must be more than words,” Walker said. “It must be tangible support.”
For his part, Walker said he is challenged to focus on his own health, evaluate his life insurance situation, and prepare for retirement. “Death is inevitable. Stewardship is a choice,” said Walker. “My prayer is that my self-assessment won’t remain mine alone, but that many others will consider what they must do to prepare for the inevitable.”
