QUESTION
I talked with a GuideStone representative recently, and I realized just how far behind we are in planning for retirement. I may live to 100, but I’ll be dead broke. As a pastor, is it right to ask the church to put more toward my annuity, and not dock my salary? (They give a little now, but nowhere near the max.)
ANSWER
I Timothy 5:17 speaks of elders being worthy of “double honor.” When a church extends a call to a pastor, it also has an obligation to meet his needs, and that includes providing a livable salary, health and life insurance, and retirement. The majority of church members expect that from their employer and should provide that for their pastor and his family.
Pastors often have a difficult time negotiating any change in their salary or benefits. However, there is nothing wrong with a pastor asking the church to make adjustments and provide for him now and in years to come. GuideStone has a salary guide that can help churches know what should be provided.
QUESTION
The preschool area is covered in Noah’s Ark with animals on every wall. The Sunday School director wants to replace aardvarks with scenes from the Gospels. I’d like to see more of Jesus too. Is there a way around the hurt feelings if we cover these old murals painted by a beloved church member?
ANSWER
I don’t know the layout of your building, but you might suggest that you use a theme approach to the various preschool rooms. While children aren’t interested in room numbers, they can remember the Noah’s Ark room, the Coat of Many Colors room, the Sermon on the Mount room, the Jesus and Apostles Room—you get the idea. Don’t make it a “change” as much as an “improvement” for the children’s sake. And everyone will get a little of what they like without anyone having to get offended.
As an added bonus, young parents and first-time guests will be impressed with the creativity and extra effort.
Pat Pajak is IBSA’s associate executive director for evangelism. Send questions for Pat to IllinoisBaptist@IBSA.org.