The question of appropriate recompense in respect of Christian work is a vexed one on all sides, and discussion of it (or a lack thereof) can lead to embarrassment, guilt and anger - on all sides.  Since I don't enjoy any of these things, I'm taking steps here to avoid either experiencing them or inflicting them on others - by laying out a really clear "ballpark" fee structure for those who think they might like me to come and speak in their church, at their conference or camp, or whatever, and who would expect me to prepare thoroughly for that task.  

I've thought about this carefully, and I've consulted colleagues about it too; and I think it's fair, under normal circumstances - that is, where those asking for my services have no genuine difficulty in paying, and the only issue to work out is what 1 Timothy 5:18 means ("the worker deserves his wages").  If, on the other hand, you would like me to come and speak, and you can explain to me why I should in fact do this for a different honorarium, I am very open to listening to what you have to say.  I'm not in the business that I'm in to make money.  Before speaking with me about this, however, please read the excellent essay on my Regent colleague John Stackhouse's blog, "Fair Payment for Speakers."  It is only by receiving fair payment from those who can afford it that my wife and I can continue to minister to and support all sorts of people who experience much less of God's "shalom," including income.