Clergy Compensation
Understanding Clergy Compensation in the Central Pacific Conference
In the call to ministry, a pastor and a congregation enter into a covenantal relationship. In this relationship, the pastor pledges to care for the spiritual needs of the community and the congregation in turn pledges to care for both the spiritual and temporal needs of the pastor. An important part of these temporal needs is a just wage regardless of age, race, gender identity, orientation or disability consistent with the community in which the congregation resides.
Mindful of this covenantal relationship, the Central Pacific Conference provides the following guidelines for clergy compensation. The recommended salary structure takes into consideration both size of congregation and length of experience in ministry. These figures assume an ordained pastor and a full-time position. In using these guidelines as a starting point for conversation, congregations are also asked to take into consideration additional factors unique to each setting, including annual performance reviews (it is advised that Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers be used as a guide to the performance assessment of the minister), additional advanced degrees, specialized training, and other measures of faithful and effective ministry. The church should also consider the cost of living, particularly housing, in the vicinity of the church.
Suggested Minimum Cash Salary for 2024 (shown in $1,000)
Clergy Experience/Salary steps do not include housing allowance, parsonage or benefits (COLA for 2024 is 3.2%).
Benefits Considerations
Housing Allowance
Benefits In addition to salary and housing, congregations are expected to provide the following benefits:
o UCC Pension/Annuity
o Health and Dental coverage for self and immediate family
o Flexible Spending Accounts
o Life and Disability Insurance
o Minister Liability Insurance
o State Specific Employment Programs
* Idaho
* Oregon
* Washington
Reimbursements
Time Off
Please refer to the Clergy Compensation Guidelines to learn more and see detailed information necessary to complete the salary and benefits package.
Tools for Determining Clergy Compensation
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Full Clergy Compensation Guidelines
More than just the numbers, this guide offers a robust explanation of the many considerations associated with appropriate clergy compensation.
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Quick-Start Guide
Use this guide to get acquainted with the basic functions and usage of the Clergy Compensation Worksheet!
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Clergy Compensation Worksheet
This Excel worksheet is intended for use by Search Committees, Budget Committees, and Pastors. We have tried to make it both comprehensive and flexible, with the aim of providing an easy way to explore different compensation scenarios for comparison.