It is a joy being called into pastoral ministry. The ministry may be as a leader of a congregation, chaplain, or administrator. To be able to participate in ordered ministry is a gift and an honor. This Labor Day reminds us that one of the reasons we work is to eat. We also work to put a roof over our heads and clothes on our backs. We work to support our families and contribute to society through taxes and the fruit of our labor. Being called into ministry should not equate to being called into poverty. Chaplains, pastors, and others serving in ministry deserve a living wage.
The Presbytery of Chicago has a minimum salary for pastors of $57,000 (increasing to $58,000 if approved by the September Assembly). We do not have a minimum for chaplains, administrators, or those serving in education. Our minimum is lower than that of other professions in Chicagoland, including teachers with a master’s degree ($66,283), CPAs ($81,964), and lawyers ($181,312). I’m sharing figures from other professions that require similar education to illustrate that the COM minimum salary is not unreasonable.
I am also sensitive to the current plight of our congregations. Congregations are finding it more difficult to call and support a full-time pastor. The decrease in the size of congregations as pastors’ salaries and benefits increase is creating a crunch, and pastors are caught in the middle. Often, many pastors do not accept raises when they stare at the budget deficit, the rising cost of building maintenance, and the percentage of staff salary to the overall budget. Still others retire or become supply pastors with an annual contract instead of a called position.
Hospitals, senior care facilities, and educational institutions are also cutting back. Unfortunately, chaplains are deemed expendable when the budget is tight.
As more large churches shrink in membership, they will become medium-sized. More medium churches will become small, and small churches will then become very small. Pastor affordability is the toughest in congregations of 75 members or less.
When a church cannot afford to pay a living wage to a pastor, they may compensate with help from deacons and elders to reduce the hours paid. COM and presbytery staff are present to help with these conversations. Blessings to you on this week when we celebrate Labor Day as we remember that a living wage for all those in ministry is honorable, respectful, and biblical.
Rev. Dr. Craig Howard
