24 Oct 2009 Pastor’s Compensation Guidelines

Ron Ramsey, Bishop

The Pastor’s Salary Compensation Formula was updated October 14 by the Executive Leadership Team. For 2009, the minimum suggested fulltime Standard Base Salary was raised from $35,000 to $35,700.

However, that’s only part of the fulltime salary package.

Some churches use only the suggested Standard Base Salary. They figure that if the total salary package equals $35,000, then their pastor is fulltime. That’s a wrong assumption.

The minimum fulltime salary includes that base amount, plus additional compensation depending on:

• Years of service.
• Education level.
• The church’s average attendance.
• Staff size.

Plus these benefits:

• Housing allowance.
• Utilities.
• Medical and disability insurance.
• SECA and pension.
• Vacation.

If a church doesn’t meet the criteria in full (the base salary plus the additional factors plus the benefits):

• The pastor is not considered fulltime.
• The pastor may pursue supplemental employment to achieve this compensation level.

And keep in mind: this is only the minimum. I would hope that many of our churches could exceed these guidelines for their pastor.

You can view the formula online.