Yes, you are both wrong and a bit right as well.

Too many people present things as normative when they simply are not. Paul’s so called tent making was not his first or favoured course of action. Out of many years of ministry there are only two instances that portray Paul working a day job rather than just ministering (and recieving remuneration for it): One is with the carnal Corinthians who, only for a season, didn’t financially value Paul’s ministry; the other is with the Thessalonians (as you mentioned) who needed an example of a good work ethic-

“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9 NOT BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT POWER, but TO MAKE OURSELVES AN ENSAMPLE TO YOU to follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. (2 Thess 3:6-10) (emphasis mine)

You said that “Paul never accepted pay to serve as an example for us to follow”.

Not so. He said specifically to the Thessalonians that he wasn’t chargable to THEM to be an example to THEM. This was NOT normative for Paul in his ministry life. Read 1 Cor 9 to see the other instance where Paul wasn’t getting support. He wouldn’t make the arguement there that he does if working a job was his first choice of action. Also, he says about robbing other churches to do them service: he was supported by others in other areas to minister to them.

You really should go through the other parts of this series and then comment/discuss this again as I go over much of this. Alternatively, you could read it in article form which is more concise. Then you can go through and study it yourself as you read. Here it is in written form - http://www.christisall.org/2009/06/16/principles-in-new-testament-ministry-money-written/ .

Grace and peace to you,

Bretto

Here’s a more complete argument:

Good And Bad Preachers, Know God’s Distinction
http://thebigpicmin.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/good-and-bad-preachers-know-gods-distinction/

Am I wrong?
God Bless
Glenn