"Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching; for the scripture says,' ... the laborer deserves to be paid'" - Timothy 5:17-18

Fair compensation for those in ministry is often viewed as a puzzle with disparate pieces. Making decisions about pastoral compensation requires careful review of many facts. The church's financial resources and unique circumstances play a major role in determining cash salary and housing, but there are many pieces that need to be examined before a fair solution can be found.

First the minister should be evaluated regarding:

• Responsibilities
  
  
• Experience
  
  
• Education
  
  
• Expertise
  
  
• Effectiveness
  
  
• Years of Service
  

Then the following factors should be researched and documented:

• The cost of living and salaries of professionals with similar education, experience and responsibilities.
  
  
• A review of pastoral compensation for similar size churches based on average Sunday worship attendance, membership and budget can be obtained from your regional office.
  
  
• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) and average salaries of selected white-collar occupations, including principals and superintendents, can be obtained from your State Department of Labor or the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, DC 200212.
  

Another critical piece is the buying power that remains after taxes. Information for your area is available from MMBB or can be found in the Survey of Buying Power, published each year by Sales and Marketing Management. This magazine can be found in most public libraries.

If your church has multiple pastors, you should relate the pastoral staff salaries as a percentage of the senior pastor's pay. With that compensation as a base, a staff person with major responsibility for planning, developing and leading ministries across the broad spectrum of congregational life might receive 75%-85% of the senior pastor's pay. Ministry-related expenses should be fully reimbursed and benefits should be provided for all ministers on staff.

For more information about pastoral compensation, please speak with your MMBB regional representative or relationship manager. Or call MMBB headquarters at 800.986.6222 and ask to speak with a member service representative.