Monday, March 27, 2006
Pastor Pay
In case you have not noticed, I have joined a ring of PCUSA bloggers - see the sidebar.
For my first link to the set, I want to look at a post from a blog called "Doogie Howsewr Did It, So Why Not Me?" the post concerns remuneration for pastors. Apparently the author is a young pastor and is wondering what he is "supposed" to make.
But that aside, wondering about numbers is, I think the genuine problem.
When it comes to remuneration, a pastor should be grateful for what he receives, and gracious in the gifts he makes. Particularly in the PCUSA, the congregation will pay the pastor what it can and in accordance with his/her performance. If the pastor thinks it too much, then do not spit on those that would honor you, rather, be gracious with it and donate it in many appropritate places. If the pastor thinks it too little, then rely upon the Lord - He shall provide, if he doesn't, I suggest you re-examine your call.
Cross-posted at How To Be A Christian And Still Go To Church
Related Tags: church, pastors, pay, gratitude, faithfulness, attitude
For my first link to the set, I want to look at a post from a blog called "Doogie Howsewr Did It, So Why Not Me?" the post concerns remuneration for pastors. Apparently the author is a young pastor and is wondering what he is "supposed" to make.
The question remains: Where is the balance between a congregation paying a pastor what they think she/he is worth and where is the line where a pastor can meet their needs and when their salary is taken just because the congregation is able to offer more?He goes into a rather detailed discussion of amounts that I find amuzing and problematic. He neglects' altogether, the pastor's housing allowance tax avoidance scheme which is a very significant earnings multiplier.
There's something in the back of my head that is pushing me towards living in or close to the poverty line for the rest of my life. This said while I have a burden of debt that will keep me busy for the rest of my life. (sorry kids, no trips to disneyland)
But that aside, wondering about numbers is, I think the genuine problem.
1 Cor 9:11-12 - If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we should reap material things from you? If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.It is a matter of attitude, it is a matter of placing the gospel first. Paul's attitude here is great - he does not demand pay so as not to hinder the gospel, but he never turns it down either, as we see several places in Acts.
When it comes to remuneration, a pastor should be grateful for what he receives, and gracious in the gifts he makes. Particularly in the PCUSA, the congregation will pay the pastor what it can and in accordance with his/her performance. If the pastor thinks it too much, then do not spit on those that would honor you, rather, be gracious with it and donate it in many appropritate places. If the pastor thinks it too little, then rely upon the Lord - He shall provide, if he doesn't, I suggest you re-examine your call.
Cross-posted at How To Be A Christian And Still Go To Church
Related Tags: church, pastors, pay, gratitude, faithfulness, attitude
