Can the Church Afford Full-Time Ministers?
When it comes to finances the church has ample impetus to spend what it is given wisely. This means a steady diet of evangelistic and gospel specific spending is prime territory. Yet, when you look at most church budgets salaries for staff compose either a large minority or majority of financial resources. Now, the necessity of paying ministers a salary that provides for their needs and their families’ is a given. However, there are future pitfalls of this financial relationship, and new wrinkles that must be addressed.
The efficiency of allowing ministers to focus solely on ministry tasks is a valuable asset for churches. Yet, a minister’s sole reliance on the church’s financial resources creates issues. For instance, the minister lives under the reality of needing to retain and/or grow membership to retain and/or grow the amount of fiscal resources needed by the church. The majority in many situations goes toward salary and benefits. While numeric growth is desired, its necessity to meet salary obligations is a less than optimal motivation.
Moreover, there is the question of does this reality influence Gospel propagation? Additionally, is this the most productive, practical and biblical model for the Church, especially in its contemporary manifestation? To read more, click here.
1 comment:
The salaries, benefits and lifestyles to which fully-stipended clergy have become accustomed in denominations like TEC and even some of the Continuing churches will be much harder to maintain in smaller congregations saddled with litigation expenses and those that no longer have physical plants. The old-guard who have their pensions from TEC and who have savings, took care of themselves. Bishops will make sure that they are paid well. I'd be curious to see published reports of what the salary/benefit packages are for ac/na and Continuing Anglican bishops.
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