tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17196593.post4269655465429749917..comments2023-04-30T05:01:55.198-05:00Comments on Sky McCracken: Clergy Salaries - Taboo Subject?Sky McCrackenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971591289953416023noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17196593.post-74420617186005384702010-09-11T21:32:32.008-05:002010-09-11T21:32:32.008-05:00Sky, to the contrary, in most business settings, t...Sky, to the contrary, in most business settings, the boss rarely consults the employee. A job performance evaluation is done and the boss decides if a pay raise is warranted. The employee rarely gets to sit in while the boss makes that decision. <br /><br />I advocate for my staff (in those cases where a pay raise is deserved), but to advocate for myself only comes off as self-serving.<br /><br />In my present situation, I have emphasized that the financial stability of the church and the full payment of apportionments takes precedent over pay raises. Until those two objectives are met, we cannot afford raises... and perhaps I have not done my job sufficently."CAPTAIN DAVE"https://www.blogger.com/profile/06388144575284641351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17196593.post-70662938114991553412010-09-09T08:46:16.089-05:002010-09-09T08:46:16.089-05:00Dave:
I think as pastor of a multi-staff church, ...Dave:<br /><br />I think as pastor of a multi-staff church, you HAVE to be there where discussion of salary takes place. A raise for the pastor is a significant amount of money, and the raise (or lack thereof) can affect the raises that other staff get, i.e., if you're not getting a raise, who on the staff DOES deserve one - one that might go beyond the cost of living. Plus, where UMC pastors are concerned, the funding is for the position, rather than the person, is it not? So you're not just representing yourself - you're representing the Connection.<br /><br />Money is a spiritual matter - shouldn't the spiritual leader be present?<br /><br />On a more personal level... how many people ask their boss for a raise that they think they deserve and then leave the room so the boss can make a decision?!?<br /><br />My 2ยข.Sky McCrackenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13971591289953416023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17196593.post-35329537393503156042010-09-06T10:37:18.962-05:002010-09-06T10:37:18.962-05:00No raises here, for a second year in a row. With a...No raises here, for a second year in a row. With a congregation in transition/decline, apportionments partially unpaid, a leaking roof, a slow economy, and fewer dollars for ministry, salary increases are simply not realistic. <br /><br />I take issue with you, Sky, on the point about a pastor sitting in with the SPRC during the salary discussion. As the salary-recommending body, the SPRC needs to be free to have a frank discussion. It is very difficult for some church members to honestly evaluate their pastor when s/he is sitting in the room glaring at them. So, I make my case, then leave them to decide."CAPTAIN DAVE"https://www.blogger.com/profile/06388144575284641351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17196593.post-52933667059778985372010-09-04T15:58:59.716-05:002010-09-04T15:58:59.716-05:00I am with you on calling and salary expectations. ...I am with you on calling and salary expectations. I have already said to SPRC no raise this year - my family is doing ok (tho seminary loans for a 2nd career pastor stink). <br /><br />In my conference a good bit of consideration for appointments are made based on salary - I think this is where things get really messy..Deborah Suenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17196593.post-83904635733336095352010-09-04T14:34:01.322-05:002010-09-04T14:34:01.322-05:00I don't see anything taboo about clergy salari...I don't see anything taboo about clergy salaries, at least not in the UMC where they are voted on in charge conference. This pay comes from church member donations, after all. The amount is published in the conference journal. <br />As a part-time ( as if there were such a thing) pastor, I'm very sensitive to what my small membership churches can pay. When I was offered my current appointment, I requested a sharp cut from what was being paid since it was obvious that it was too high for the churches' size. I believe the conference letter recommends three percent raises this year, but I'm asking for no change. I'm not being noble here, just realistic. In a previous appointment, one of the three churches on the charge had a nice gain in membership including some who could and did give liberally. And all three churches sustained themselves well and proudly paid full apportionments. Accepting annual raises was, for me, quite appropriate and appreciated. <br /><br />GaryGary Drumnoreply@blogger.com