At GuideStone Financial Resources it is our sacred responsibility and joy to be not only a steward, but also an advocate for scores of thousands of pastors. We are calling upon local churches to take responsibility for their pastor’s care. This is not only right; it is biblical. The Apostle Paul addressed this very issue in several of his epistles to the church. To the Corinthians he wrote, The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel (1 Cor. 9:14). To the Galatians he admonished to let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches (Gal. 6:6).
It is interesting to note the apostle’s divinely inspired choice of words in these verses. He says the Lord “commands” this. He also says those who are the recipients of biblical truth “must” share with the teacher. In one of his final letters he says to young Timothy, Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine (1 Tim. 5:17).
With these words in mind, those in places of leadership in the church should adequately compensate their pastor and his family as he “labors” in the word and doctrine.
As many churches begin preparing for their 2011 budgets amid a continuing soft economy, remembering to care for the ministers and staff of a church is of great importance. GuideStone encourages churches to provide for contributions to a 403(b)(9) retirement plan for ministers and staff, as well as provide life, medical and disability benefits.
GuideStone makes available a booklet and presentation entitled, Planning Financial Support, which is free for the asking by calling toll-free 1-888-98-GUIDE (1-888-984-8433). You can also find it elsewhere on our website (select “Employer Resources”). This workbook offers practical help and provides sample policies and forms the church can use to be a wise steward of its pastor’s financial needs. You can also view the recently completed 2010 SBC Church Compensation Survey that offers detailed reporting features to determine pay and benefits for staff members of churches similar to yours.
The subject of a pastor and his pay and benefits is a subject that should be seriously addressed annually by every church. It should not be left to the pastor to initiate conversation related to his compensation. It is the sacred duty of the church herself. In fact, the Lord “commands” that the church “must” be a good steward in compensating those who minister among them.
* Adapted from O.S. Hawkins’ book, The Pastor’s Primer.