should a pastor have a set salary?

[newlifeprophet]

And if so, how much? I believe in financial transparency in church.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by newlifeprophet

And if so, how much? I believe in financial transparency in church.

Did Jesus? The Apostles?

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by newlifeprophet

And if so, how much? I believe in financial transparency in church.

Yes. (but I'm curious, as opposed to what?)

That would vary, depending on the level of education, whether it's a full-time position, the economic status of those he ministers to, and other benefits being offered.

If he is a professional then I think his wages should be comparable to the salaries of the other professionals in the church he ministers to. At least that would be a starting point for board to review. I am also assuming the church has funds available and is a giving church - if not then it's a moot point.

[Michael The Disciple]

Paul showed the Elders (Pastors) to work with their own hands.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up , and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified . 33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34 Yea, ye yourselves know , that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak , and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said , It is more blessed to give than to receive . Acts 20:32-35

They definitely were not expecting a salary. Freewill offerings yes. Salary? No way.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Paul showed the Elders (Pastors) to work with their own hands.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up , and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified . 33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34 Yea, ye yourselves know , that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak , and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said , It is more blessed to give than to receive . Acts 20:32-35

They definitely were not expecting a salary. Freewill offerings yes. Salary? No way.

If the church has a regular income, however, it's only practical to take a portion of that and set a regular amount to give to the pastor. No need to be sporadic with it; it's easier to budget a regular amount, even if it's small. If you don't know what to expect, it can be nearly impossible to run your household budget.

As Hoovie pointed out, though, it's a moot point if the church doesn't have income (or a substantial income). The primary use of funds has to go toward maintaining a building, among other things. After that, compensation can be on the table. Most pastors that I know who pastor small congregations have to work to support their families, or at least work part time to supplement. A good pastor won't "expect" the church to provide for his family; he will provide for his family and take (e.g., receive) income from the church when it can be reasonably provided. My parents were from the old school where the pastor got all the tithes and the offerings supported the church, but they would routinely turn around and put money back into the church to pay the bills or to pay visiting ministers. It would be pointless for a pastor to take more money than the church can provide, because he will run it into the ground and have no church to pastor.

Bottom line: it's perfectly fine for a pastor to have a salary if the church can provide one; it shouldn't be [can't be] expected from small, struggling congregations.

Whatever income is provided, it should be openly discussed and agreed upon among the church members and/or church board. Transparency is a good thing. It supports that "good reputation both within and without" dynamic. Beyond that, I don't really care what the actual dollar amount is. That should vary by congregation and it's the business of the local assembly. If a congregation wants to handsomely award their pastor with a large income and it is within their means to do so, more power to them. Some leaders are worthy of "double honor."

[seguidordejesus]

I lean more toward what Michael is saying here as the ideal...but...

If the church can afford it, sure, give the guy a salary (NOT all the tithes!)

A church I am intimately familiar with takes the median (not average) salary of the 3 counties in their metropolitan area and sets that as the minimum salary for the pastor. In this particular case it works out to be around 45000 per year. Then based on increase in attendance or as they are able they will go up to double that, based on the Scripture about "double honor." There have been a couple of pastors who barely got by and one that did quite well.

[Michael The Disciple]

Do we want the Biblical pattern? I dont like the concept of a "professional" Pastor.

For ye remember , brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 1 Thess. 2:9

And this was AN APOSTLE.

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Do we want the Biblical pattern? I dont like the concept of a "professional" Pastor.

A "professional" Pastor is not even Biblical.

[BroJoe]

The Church members or Church board should decide.

From what I understand the Pastor should receive all tithes.

[seekerman]

Originally Posted by BroJoe

The Church members or Church board should decide.

From what I understand the Pastor should receive all tithes.

Simply go to the example set in the New Testament church and use that. Not that hard, really.

I'd certainly be interested in scripture showing where a pastor is paid a salary, or in a position as in most 'churches' today. Also, no New Testament pastor received tithes.