QUESTION
I didn’t get a raise three years in a row, and now I’m holding a grudge.
ANSWER
I know very few pastors who like discussing their compensation package with the personnel or finance committee. But churches have an obligation to meet the financial needs of their pastor and staff members, who in turn have a responsibility to provide for their families. Few church members think about salaries, insurance, retirement, taxes, and various allowances—except once a year, during the budget presentation. And if the question isn’t raised concerning an increase, another year passes, and hard feelings can surface.
GuideStone Financial Resources publishes a booklet detailing the average salary range for Southern Baptist pastors and staff according to church size and location. I would suggest you request this free resource and give it to the chairperson of your personnel committee. They might discover that you are underpaid and make an adjustment. Don’t allow Satan to use your pay package as a point of contention which will only cause you to become bitter (see Proverbs 3:5-6).
QUESTION
One of our members won the lottery. Before she won, church members criticized her for playing. Now they want to know when to expect her tithe check.
ANSWER
I was a police officer and a deputy sheriff before I became a pastor, and at the law enforcement academy they taught us about “the fruit of the poisonous tree,” which was evidence that couldn’t be used in court because it had been collected or discovered through improper or illegal means.
Since the Bible discourages gambling and the love of money (see Proverbs 28:22 and 1 Timothy 6:9-10, for example), I have always believed that any money that results from gambling should be treated like poisonous fruit. The church members need to quit looking for a check from her winnings and put their trust in the Lord, the one who declares, “For every animal of the forest is mine, (and) the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10, HCSB). God will supply their need!
Pat Pajak has pastored churches of all sizes across Illinois. He currently directs evangelism for IBSA. Send questions for Pat to IllinoisBaptist@IBSA.org.