16 May LET’S TALK: About Pastors’ Salaries

Right now, the base salary for UB fulltime ministers is $35,000. Many churches generously go far beyond that amount. But too many churches cling to the minimum.

The Executive Leadership Team, during its April meeting, spent some time talking about pastors’ salaries. They didn’t make any decisions; I just wanted their input as I consider making some proposals. Here are some thoughts from that discussion:

• About two-thirds of our churches have an attendance less than 100. To sustain a minimum fulltime pastor, you probably need 125 people.
• We have a lot of churches on the bubble of being able to afford a fulltime pastor.
• A lot of quality pastors are being less than adequately compensated.
• If you can’t pay a fulltime salary, you need to let your pastor supplement his income with other work.
• The fulltime salary suggestion should reflect a true living wage.
• We can’t expect to recruit ministers if, as a denomination, we set such a low salary. It’s embarrassing to talk to a prospective pastor and tell him what our minimum fulltime salary is.
• Churches should do a lot more in adding benefits for pastors, such as paying for a cell phone, computer, internet access, and other things.
• In denying pay raises for ministers, people point to the plight of other members of the congregation.
• A pay increase for the pastor usually requires a board member willing to champion that cause.

What are you thoughts? What would you like to add?