Paying the Pastor, why it matters and how to do it?

“Gracious Lord, please keep our pastor humble, and we will keep him poor.” _Deacon’s Prayer

The purpose of this lesson is not to build a biblical case for paying your pastor.  Any honest reading of the New Testament clearly shows that this is a duty and privilege. For an excellent video on the bible case for paying a pastor go to this link.

The Reason it matters: Your pastor is your number one asset or liability.

• You can have a dozen things working against you but get the right pastor and the sky is the limit on what you can achieve.
• You may have a dozen things working for you, but get the wrong pastor, and you’ll soon be struggling just to keep the doors open.
• So, if you have an effective pastor…protect your investment by paying your pastor well!

General Advice:

FIRST: Actually think about it!

SECOND: Familiarize yourself the minimal salary package as stated in the COG General Assembly Minutes, page 178 – 181.

• Don’t view the package in light of what you make.  View it in the same way you would what a doctor, or airline pilot, or a college professor would make.  Money represents value; what you’re paying your pastor is a reflection of how you value your church—the preaching of the word and the care of eternal souls.
• Many churches want a T-bone sermon with all the trimmings during the week, but they’re only willing to pay MacDonald wages.
• Another way of looking at it is what a manager in a corporation would get paid who was supervising as many people on average who are going to your church. 
• Remember the job description of your pastor – Ephesians 4 – equipping the saints to do the work of the ministry.
• Link to Pathway Bookstore to order a copy of the 2022 COG Minutes:

THIRD: What about bonuses and special gifts.

• First, do not take your cues from what your company does or what any company does.  The church should be providing the cues on how to treat our employees. 
• Special gifts above and beyond the regular salary is where the character of church and church leaders really shows.
• Acknowledging a job well done, tenure, and other achievements and milestones is soul food to your pastor, and it demonstrates to the church people what to value.  And it adds “majesty” to the position of pastor. 
• If you treat your pastor like an old shoe don’t be surprised if he gets kicked around and eventually leaves.

FOURTH: What if the pastor is not earning his salary?

• Do not starve him out!  You don’t pay your tithe to the pastor, you pay your tithe to God.  Holding back or diverting, or reducing your tithe reveals more about you than it does the pastor.  And it sets a terrible precedent in your church.
• Starving the pastor kills your church by starting them on a downward trajectory of struggling to get and keep an effective pastor.
• Communicate clearly what is required to “earn” the salary you’re paying. 
• Have the tough talk in a Christlike manner. Often clarity helps a pastor and church connect and they soon back on track.
• As a last resort, approach your State Administrative Bishop.

FIFTH: What if you don’t have the money to pay the minimal package?

• Start with something that you’re proud of.

• Develop a plan to get your pastor fulltime. Make getting your pastor to the minimal the first priority of your church.

• Raise the budget for paying your pastor. Why raise money for lessor things and allow your number one asset to be neglected?  We find ways to take care of what really matters. You’ll be hard pressed to find something that matters more than your pastor.
• If you have a pastor that is world class, don’t stop with the minimal, pay him world class wages. You not get what you pay for, you keep what you pay for.

SIXTH: Invest in your pastor’s personal growth and health (travel, mission trips, education, sabbaticals, etc.)

• When your pastor grows, your church grows.
• When your pastor improves, your church improves.
• Don’t think in terms of “spending money” on your pastor, think in terms of investing in your pastor.

The ONE THING for today: The church is the hope of the world – we’ve got to get this right and in order to do this, we need the right pastors at the helm.  When you get one, it is up to you to protect your number one asset by doing all you can to keep him!  Bottom line, pay your pastor well, the returns will be supernatural.