If you want a lively discussion, then the topic of the pastor’s salary can usually meet that need….Most pastors are not overpaid. Most pastors work long hours. Most pastors are certainly not in the ministry for the money. But the tension on the pastor’s salary continues to exist in many congregations.

If you want a lively discussion, then the topic of the pastor’s salary can usually meet that need. I have discussed this issue in the past on both my blog and my podcast. In both cases, the conversation was, well, interesting.

So why does this topic seem to evoke strong emotions in some pastors and church members? I have seen at least seven reasons it does so.

1. The pastor’s salary is often public information.
2. Some church members view a low salary as a necessary tool for the pastor’s humility.
3. There continues to be a misunderstanding of the pastor’s “package.”
4. Critics of the pastor often use the salary as a lever to make life miserable for the pastor.
5. There is a misperception among some church members that the pastor is overpaid..
6. Family members can be embarrassed by this issue.
7. There is a misperception that pastors work very little.

Most pastors are not overpaid. Most pastors work long hours. Most pastors are certainly not in the ministry for the money. But the tension on the pastor’s salary continues to exist in many congregations.

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