1st Corinthians 4: 11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; 12 And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
Currently, pastors are paid by their employers, but with inflation so high, it is a valid question whether or not some could make ends meet on the salaries they receive. But the laymen who are independent of employers, can help themselves if they needed to or if God so directs. That model manifested by Paul and other laymen, of preaching the Gospel while laboring with their own hands, with their specific skills or trade, may just be the answer we need for Gospel workers in our day.
God is much more down to earth, and is practical in His ways than many realize, and for this reason, the laymen who are scheduled to finish up the work of the Gospel, might very well have to follow the Paul model, if they are led to do so by God. Therefore, as the shortage of pastors deepens, and as less and less persons enter the ministry, it will be seen that the predictions made by God through His servant will become more and more of a reality.
[Last Day Events pp 204>205] The Comforter is to reveal Himself, not in any specified, precise way that man may mark out, but in the order of God—in unexpected times and ways that will honor His own name. He will raise up from among the common people men and women to do His work, even as of old He called fishermen to be His disciples. There will soon be an awakening that will surprise many.
Romans 9:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!