My mother's funeral is today and I've asked my cousin to deliver the eulogy. He studied to be a minister, but doesn't actually practice it, but he fancies himself as one. I wanted to know if I'm obligated to pay him for the service anf if so, what would be the proper amount?
2006-11-28 22:47:11 · 12 answers · asked by debodun 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Where I live you pay the minister a standard fee for each service he provides (like for baptism, marriage, funeral, commemoration...). All this money goes for maintaining the church, for the needy, building other churches/monasteries, for the minister's salary and so on... Maybe it does not apply to where you live (or in your religion) because here one must be a real minister (accepted by the Church, not just someone who studies theology) to do such things or he might end up in jail!
Still, in your particular situation, I guess that since he's family no money would be necessary.
2006-11-29 00:52:48 · answer #1 · answered by Inno 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, sorry for your loss.
Now for your question. No you do not have to pay. Our priest has said many times that monetary gifts are not required when they do any type of extra service, be it funeral, baptism, wedding, or whatever. Some people do like to make a small donation to the church or even give the priest a small amount of money but it is not necessary. A nice thank you card, I think is sufficient. If you feel like you have to give him something I would say $20-$40 is more than generous.
2006-11-29 00:59:05 · answer #2 · answered by deerogre 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ministers generally expect to get paid for funeral services, but since this one is family he might not want to get paid. Where I'm from the usual etiquette is to offer to pay and see how he reacts. The amount depends on where you live, so I'm afraid I can't provide that information for you.
I'm sorry about your loss.
2006-11-29 00:49:20 · answer #3 · answered by undir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Being a minister is not a volunteer job, they need to get paid just like everybody else.
I would call the church secretary to ask what the proper amount would be.
2006-11-29 13:38:10 · answer #4 · answered by jrealitytv 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nicely, a Pastor's activity is to be a pastor. comparable with weddings... needless to say they might desire to be paid. maximum pastors have households... they are taking time to prepare a message and to attend the service, removed from their households. it is form of like asking would desire to a instructor gets a commission to coach a classification on the weekend. Now, if the pastor replaced right into a sturdy buddy of the deceased, i could think of and desire that they had do it for loose.
2016-10-13 08:19:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's the eulogy, no...anyone can give a eulogy...and by not practicing he's showing he's not a minister, irregardless of what his mouth says...sorry for your loss
2006-11-29 04:32:14 · answer #6 · answered by Shannon M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is traditional to pay the officiant an "honorarium"
...the amount varies (anywhere between one and five hundred is pretty average)
....however since it is a close relative of yours and not a practicing minister.....i would hope that he would do it free of charge....if he actually expects any money i'd be surprised
2006-11-29 03:42:09 · answer #7 · answered by SNAP! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"NO" .
A minister is one if: He/She is Licensed and Ordained according to the rules set down by State and the Church independent but respectively.
It's NOT what you fancy yourself to be BUT what you are. Ministers are Licensed to be such to Marry and Bury... that's the Law.
2006-11-29 03:05:42 · answer #8 · answered by baltic072 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a kind gesture to offer a small token of you gratitude to him . Just because he's family, doesn't mean he couldn't use a few bucks for himself or the church he attends.
2006-11-29 01:29:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this has too many dynamics for a quick answer. Perhaps you could ask your cousin?
2006-11-29 03:34:36 · answer #10 · answered by Faith 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋