Pastors pay

[ml5363]

Just curious what other pastors are paid...I know some of the big churches make a million dollar...but what about smaller churches? Should a pastors salary decrease if say the church is losing members and is small to begin with?

 

[nonaeroterraqueous]

but what about smaller churches? Should a pastors salary decrease if say the church is losing members and is small to begin with?

I would not blame the pastor for church membership. The work of the Holy Spirit should be accredited to no man. If his salary is cut, then it ought to be for the practical reason of the church not having enough cash to cover his salary, plus all operating expenses and something saved for a rainy day.

If he is clearly not fit to be a pastor, then that's another matter.

 

[Deidre32]

I don't ''belong'' to a church but attend one from time to time that I'm comfortable with, it's Baptist, and the pastor makes around $95,000 which is probably reasonable, but it's a pretty big church. Lots of clubs, and activities.

 

[jsimms615]

Just curious what other pastors are paid...I know some of the big churches make a million dollar...but what about smaller churches? Should a pastors salary decrease if say the church is losing members and is small to begin with?

It depends because some pastors get a housing allowance or parsonage to stay in which is part of their benefits in that position. It saves them paying a rent or mortgage.
Baptist usually have at least an annual business meeting regarding the budget where the amount paid for staff is discussed. If your a member of a Baptist church you should be able to request a written copy of the budget

 

[Philip_B]

The biblical principle is simple. The laborer is worth their hire.

 

[Dan the deacon]

The biblical principle is simple. The laborer is worth their hire.

And it would seem it is quite hefty for the baptists. Creflo Dollar makes more but that is another story.
So how mich should he be paid? Enough to support himself and family (If married). Pastors should not expect to get rich here on earth for doing what God called them to do.

 

[Monk Brendan]

It depends because some pastors get a housing allowance or parsonage to stay in which is part of their benefits in that position. It saves them paying a rent or mortgage.
Baptist usually have at least an annual business meeting regarding the budget where the amount paid for staff is discussed. If your a member of a Baptist church you should be able to request a written copy of the budget

Clergy are considered self-employed under US tax laws. If a housing allowance is given, then this is considered taxable income. If a residence is provided for the pastor, then this to is taxed on the fair market value of its rental.

 

[Philip_B]

And it would seem it is quite hefty for the baptists. Creflo Dollar makes more but that is another story.
So how mich should he be paid? Enough to support himself and family (If married). Pastors should not expect to get rich here on earth for doing what God called them to do.

Logically it would seem to me that Clergy salaries should probably not be markedly different from teachers salaries if you are looking for equivalent roles in today's society. I suspect that provides some sort of range in which needs and wants can be resolved.

 

[nonaeroterraqueous]

Pastors should not expect to get rich here on earth for doing what God called them to do.

Shouldn't we all be doing what God called us to do?

 

[FireDragon76]

Just curious what other pastors are paid...I know some of the big churches make a million dollar...but what about smaller churches? Should a pastors salary decrease if say the church is losing members and is small to begin with?

Our pastor's salary is comparable to what local teachers are payed, maybe a little more.

Salary is usually determined by what the congregation can afford. Most mainline churches have pastors that are significantly underpayed relative to their educational attainment.

 

[joshua 1 9]

The biblical principle is simple. The laborer is worth their hire.

The word is reward. There is a "hook" though because we are told in another verse: "they have their reward in full." Our reward should be in the imperishable treasures of Heaven. For where our Treasure is there our Heart will be.

 

[Travelers.Soul]

Most southern baptist pastors don't get a huge salary and some don't even make enough from what they do to live off of. I don't mean, to live lavishly, but I mean cover their day to day expenses. I have known many pastors that had to have a full time job on top of being a pastor. You have to remember that, at least in America, the pastor must pay his own taxes into the government and state (15.3% and then whatever the state tax is) plus there is a possibility of him having to pay taxes on any housing allowance he receives, and he must also take out for retirement as well. I think the average package for a SBC pastor is supposedly about 41,000-55,000 but they don't put all of that in their pocket. That money goes to salary, health insurance, taxes, and retirement. I have known of pastors that didn't even make that and if they weren't working another job or their wives weren't working would not make it financially.

 

[twin1954]

Pastors should be paid enough to live as comfortable as the congregation he serves, no more no less. 41,000 dollars salary in some places is quite a lot. 75,000 in other places is required just to live. The pastor should never have to live below the people he serves.

 

[ml5363]

Our church is small. Averages 20-40 people...

Pastor makes 36k a year, free housing, utility, phone, health insurance...

Tithes come In to cover most weeks...church balloon payment is coming up next year..uunfortunately they have saved for this or rainy days...7 yes yes church was full I am told...so sad that nothing was put away then

They are a household of two

 

[lismore]

Just curious what other pastors are paid...I know some of the big churches make a million dollar...but what about smaller churches? Should a pastors salary decrease if say the church is losing members and is small to begin with?

Hello. Usually the Deacons/Elders meeting will set the Pastor's salary in line with what the Treasurer indicates the church can afford? God Bless