Dallas | GuideStone, Lifeway Research, and Baptist state conventions have again teamed up once again to conduct the SBC Church Compensation Survey, the largest free study focused on church pay and benefits in the United States.
Conducted every two years, the survey helps churches of all sizes understand current compensation practices and make informed decisions about salaries and benefits for pastors and church staff. The 2026 survey is now live and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete at GuideStone.org/CompensationSurvey.
The survey is open through July 15.
“The SBC Church Compensation Survey provides churches with an accurate, real-world picture of how similar churches are compensating their staff,” said GuideStone President Hance Dilbeck. “Faithful stewardship includes paying the right wage the right way, and this survey helps churches approach compensation intentionally, fairly and sustainably.”
Survey results will be released this fall, in time to assist most churches as they prepare 2027 budgets. Results are compiled and reported in aggregate; individual church or employee information is never disclosed.
“In many churches, compensation conversations can feel difficult or even awkward,” said Dan Gibson, executive director of SBC Relations at GuideStone. “Having trusted, data-driven benchmarks gives church leaders a common language and a shared starting point for those discussions.”
In addition to participating in the survey, GuideStone encourages churches to take advantage of its broader compensation-planning resources, available at GuideStone.org/compensationplanning.
“Compensation isn’t just about a salary number,” Dilbeck said. “We have tools, guidance and best practices to help churches think holistically about pay, benefits and long-term financial security for the people who serve them. The survey data works best when it’s paired with thoughtful planning.”
The survey is administered by Lifeway Research once it closes on July 15. Survey respondents will receive advance notice when results are available.
To complete the survey, respondents should have the following information readily available:
- Average weekly attendance and church membership
- Annual church budget
- Employee salaries and housing allowances
- Church contributions to retirement plans
- Church-paid insurance premiums
- Social Security offset, if applicable
- Rental value and utilities for church-provided housing, if applicable.