The Worker is Worth His Keep The Challenge of Compensation for Ministers Rolan Dia Monje

A Difficult Task! The New Testament has History - Gospels, Acts Letters Prophecy But we don’t have all the details about how to run a church!

General Principles The Bible plainly teaches congregations to financially support those who care for the spiritual needs of the church body. 1 Timothy 5:17-18
Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” (NLT) See Deuteronomy 25:4 and Leviticus 19:13

Paul’s convictions 1 Corinthians 9:9
For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? 1 Corinthians 9:14 
In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. We see the principles, but how exactly are these to be applied? Again, Paul refers to this expression of "not muzzling an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Even though many times Paul chose not to accept financial support, he still argued for the Old Testament principle that those who serve full time to meet the spiritual needs of people, deserve to receive monetary support from them. See Paul’s heart in Philippians 4

Considerations for the church Membership size & maturity Financial stability Laws of the land Note: Most of the NT congregations were too poor to financially support a full-time pastor, not to mention a plurality of pastors which is the New Testament pattern (Acts 14:23; 20:17,28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:12- 13; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5; Hebrews 13:17; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

Helpful process Explanation/teaching that compensation is based on general principles but details will depend on specific church context. Selection/election of a Board (or a subcommittee within the Board) to come up with a compensation determination process After the process is agreed upon, then the appointed group can work on the compensation package. The results of the process can be reported even if the details of the package are not disclosed. Process before package!

Aspects of “Employer Status” of the church Paid ministers are “employed” by the church and are thus “employees.” The church as employer must consider the following areas: Basic compensation in relation to the laws of the land Policies and guidelines for personnel Staffing issues (e.g. hiring, firing, promotion) Evaluation of employees Personal development of employees

Other items to consider Professional expenses Retirement Insurance Continuing Education

During the process… Much prayer Much patience Much perseverance