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Deciding on pastor’s pay still tough, experts say

It may be one of the most uncomfortable—and sometimes contentious—questions in congregational life: How much should we pay our senior pastor?

Ministers struggle between commitments to a self-sacrificial calling on the one hand and providing for their families on the other.

Congregations big enough to attract capable leaders are grappling nevertheless with declining contributions and tight budgets. And personnel and pastor search committees find a be­wildering array of charts, comparisons and suggestions for ministerial compensation.