PASTORS SALARY:

    The Congregational Ethics Paper calls upon the congregation to make an honest effort to meet the minimum salary as shown on the Cash Salary Table for Pastors. While this may not always be possible, it is important for open conversation to take place between the  congregation's appropriate ministry  group and the pastor regarding contract arrangments. 

The Cash Salary Guidelines and Recommended Minimum Cash Salary Table for Pastors -2009 may be viewed online or downloaded here.  The Salary Table includes a 4.2% cost of living increase as approved by Annual Conference.

Housing:

Housing Allowances, and/or Utility Allowances in the case of parsonages,should be noted in official minutes of the Church Board or other appropriate body. Congregations with parsonages are encouraged to annually review the needed maintenance required at the parsonage.  There are three basic limitations to the nontaxable portion of a pastors housing allowance: (1) It can be no more than has been officially designated; (2) It is limited to the amount actually spent to maintain a home (ie. house payments, insurance, utilities, etc.); (3) the "fair rental value" of the home furnished plus utilities.

Pension:

Each congregation/pastor is encouraged to participate in the Brethren Pension Plan. The church's share is 12% of the salary plus housing (11% goes to the pastor's account and 1% to the Church Workers Assistance Plan). The pastor's share is 4%.

  
Insurance:

2007 Annual Conference took action to phase out health insurance for active pastors in the Brethren Medical Plan. However, no pastor and family should be without medical coverage and this action does not change congregational responsibility to cover 2/3 of the health insurance premium for pastor and family. It only changes the provider of the health insurance. Congregations and pastors will need to work together to find  health insurance coverage.  Life and Disability insurance will be available from BBT. 

Travel:

The IRS allowable mileage rate for 2009 is 55 cents per mile.  Mileage records should be kept by the pastor and a reimbursement form should be submitted monthly or as agreed upon.

Annual Conference:

Each congregation is expected to provide time and funds for the pastor to attend Annual Conference, which in 2009 will be June 26-30 in San Diego CA at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center. Total costs to be budgeted for pastors and delegates are estimated to be in the range of $1400-1500.  Cost estimates are based on the following information:

    • Current airfares are approximately $400 from South Bend and Fort Wayne. (Driving distance is about 2000 miles 1-way)
    •  Delegate registration is $200 and non-delegate registration is $75 if pre-registered
    • Daily meal costs of about $35+/day (Luncheon and dinner events at AC are estimated at $18-22
    • Lodging rates in San Diego are expected to be in the $139-149 range for single through quad arrangements at the Conference hotels. An additional 10.2% hotel tax applies to all housing. Hotel parking costs will be $16/day.

 

Professional Growth/Expenses:

Annual Conference has approved guidelines for continuing education for pastors and urges congregations to provide time and funds for continuing education. I would encourage a minimum of $500 and five days for full-time pastors.  Pastors are expected to complete 5 Continuing Education Units (Each CEU is equivalent to 10 contact hours) with an accredited institution over a 5-year period. In addition, a pastoral leader is expected to engage in at least one elective study annually.

A form for recording and reporting continuing education information and CEUs for the 2006-2010 is available for download. Pastors are responsible for keeping a record of CEUs received and sending a copy of their CEU certificates and updated forms to the district office for inclusion in their file.

Vacation:

Each pastor should receive annual vacation time based on Church of the Brethren guidelines: 3 weeks for the first 3 years of career service; 4 weeks after three years and up to twenty years; and 5 weeks vacation after twenty years of career pastoral service. The number of vacation Sundays should be equal to the number of vacation weeks and taken at a time mutually agreed upon by pastor and congregation.

Special Circumstance Days:

These days may be used for such things as sickness or a death in the family. Each pastor begins with 30 days and 10 additional days are added each year and may accumulate to a maximum of 90 days when not used. Accurate records need to be kept since these days accumulate and "move" with the pastor from church to church.

Sabbatical (Sabbath Rest):

Church of the Brethren guidelines have called for a sabbatical after 7 years of service in one congregation. Action at the 2002 Annual Conference now makes provision for shorter sabbaticals after 4, 5, or 6 years or a full sabbatical after 7 years. Additional information is available here or contact the District Executive Minister for assistance and information.  Several congregations/pastors have received grants for the "Clergy Renewal Program" sponsored by Lilly Endowment to cover costs related to the sabbatical. Check the district office for 2009 materials or  http://www.indianaclergy.org. 

Camp Mack:

Congregations are encouraged to grant their pastor a week to volunteer service at Camp Mack. This should be considered a part of the congregation's outreach ministry and not vacation time. Our camping program needs quality leadership who will be good role models for our young people.

The Quiet Place:

Encourage your pastor to take a day per month or at least several days per year for spiritual retreating. The Quiet Place at Camp Mack is one such possibility.

Job Description/Annual Review:

Each congregation through its appropriate committee should work with the pastor to develop a job description that clarifies expectations. This, along with the pastor's performance, should be evaluated annually by an appropriate group within the congregation. The District Executive Minister has samples of both job descriptions and evaluation tools available and is willing to participate in an evaluation every three years as requested. New this years are samples that link the evaluation to the job description.

Ministry Assistance Fund:

This fund was established by the 1998 Annual Conference (replacing an earlier "Crisis in Transition Fund") to help clergy families in times of hardship or special needs. Funds are managed by Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Director of Ministry for the General Board, in cooperation with the clergy family's district executive. The fund is supported by designated gifts. Congregations are encouraged to include this fund in their budget with the following guidelines: up to 100 members,        $50/year; 100-200 members, $75/year; 200-300 members, $100/year; over 300 members, $125/year. Ministers are also encouraged to contribute to the fund. Contributions may be sent at any time to: Ministry Assistance Fund, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin IL  60120.

Resources: