How much money is too much for a minister to make?

Question

Should clergy have salary caps?

Answer 1

A good rule of thumb is that a minister should make a salary when working full time that is a little above the average of the working members of his congregation. The Bible says that the servant of the Lord deserves double wages... But in reality it is not necessary today. He needs to meet the needs of his family just like everyone else. He needs medical coverage, a pension etc. Because most pastors are self employed, when they loose their position as a pastor, they cannot collect unemployment. If a cap was put on the salaries of pastors, then the salaries of all not for profit self employed persons should also be capped. Pastors of extremely large churches and ministries work very hard, often much more than a doctor or CEO... often working 60-80 hours a week or more...and on call 24/7 besides. It is a highly emotional and stressful occupation that affects the whole family. They earn what they get. Most do not make enough...in spite of the fact they are expected to have BA and MA degrees... they are often paid like high school graduates.

Answer 2

I think many of the responses indicate some jaded opinions of preachers based on a few bad apples. It's not our place to judge others. The Bible is clear that we are to honor our pastors with more than mere words.
Also, I find it very amusing that the majority of responders seem to think that preachers should live a life of mere sustenance, for example, "if given a generous gift like a Bentley--sell it and give to the poor or put into church fund..." while we have no problem enjoying generous gifts from others. How many of you have received a really nice gift from someone and then returned it to the store and used that money for the poor or to further the gospel? Let's be real. We have significantly higher expectations of preachers/priests/pastors than we do for ourselves. While it's true that some bad apples have taken advantage of their congregations, God will avenge those people. On the day of Judgment, my pastor will have to stand before God and give an account for all of the members of his flock. That alone makes me shudder to think of the weight of that burden. I would love to see my pastor financially blessed by the congregation through faithful tithing and offerings.

Answer 3

Actually, a minister should make just enough money to meet his NEEDS. A roof over his head, food in the fridge, clothes in his closet, and a serviceable vehicle to get him from point 'A' to point 'B'. Also some other necessities would be a somewhat decent 'library' of theologically-related books for research and a computer.

Anything more than this should go into the church's funds to advance the preaching of the Word of God to all nations.

If somebody buys him a Bentley, then he should gracefully decline it, or ask that instead the cost of such a car be a donation to the church.

It is easy to see that many 'men of the cloth' have succumbed to greed, pride, etc. Their successes as a minister has blinded them to true humility.

Answer 4

They are not supposed to make money from their ministry.

The first century Christians did not get money from the people they preached to, they had secular jobs.

Jesus said "You received free, give free" (Matthew 10:8)

EDIT: People are being fleeced because of misapplication of 1 Timothy 5: 17,18.

***Overseers ‘who preside in a fine way and work hard in speaking and teaching’ deserve honor principally because their teaching is based on God’s Word. As Paul wrote: “Let the older men who preside in a fine way be reckoned worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. For the scripture says: ‘You must not muzzle a bull when it threshes out the grain’; also: ‘The workman is worthy of his wages.’”—1 Timothy 5:17, 18.

Paul’s words just quoted indicate that material help can rightly be given to those looking after the spiritual interests of others. However, this does not mean that elders should receive a salary, and “double honor” surely is not something exacted by an elder. It may come from the congregation’s members spontaneously, but he must never use his assignment to gain power or material possessions. He should not seek his own glory or associate mainly with the more prosperous ones for material advantage and to the neglect of others. (Proverbs 25:27; 29:23; Jude 16) Rather, an overseer must shepherd God’s flock ‘willingly, not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly.’—1 Peter 5:2.***

Answer 5

In the Lutheran denomination, preachers must have a Master's degree and many are married with a family to support. Therefore they should make what any other man/woman with a Master's would expect to make in that particular area.

Answer 6

This is a question that I think of often as I was just ordained this year. So far all of my services have been free but I am considering charging $100 for weddings, especially the big ones.

Other than that I think it is wrong to take financial advantage of those who come to you for spiritual guidance.

Answer 7

I think the preacher should make to and not over the amounts the congregation makes. He shouldn't live above his flock. If he has time outside the ministry and persues money oppertunities and does well thats his business.

Answer 8

It should depend on where they live,etc. But there should be an absolute cap across the board for all in that particular denomination. Most make far too much and do way,way too little to get what they do. Why not go the Amish or Mormon route and make them all volunteer? Then we will see who is really sincere.

Answer 9

In the line of the ministry, they should make NOTHING!!!! The Bible does not support the teaching that preachers earn money from the church. They should be able to support themselves with a regular job OUTSIDE the church.

The apostles had jobs to support themselves. Paul made tents, some fished, etc.

Answer 10

The Bible says that the laborer is worthy of his hire. It also says that we should not muzzle the ox that treads the grain. I believe that the pastor should make the average salary of the congregation where he pastors.