The church moderator and treasurer just told me the wrote a raise into my salary

[Critters2]

in the budget for next year. I told them I think it's inappropriate for me to have a raise when so many are worried, unemployed, or watching their pensions dry up. They said it's just COLA. I still don't want it. I can live on what I'm making, even tucking away some savings each month. That seems like more than enough right now.

Not that I don't appreciate the gesture.

I am beginning to fear a depression...-500pts. Holy crap!

[Midlodemocrat]

1. Excellent news! They must really like you!

And, so kind of you to reject it. Maybe they could put the same amount towards a food pantry?

Good for you, though. :thumbsup:

[sasquatch]

2. How are you doing?

:hi:

[Midlodemocrat]

6. I'm okay. Thanks for asking.

He's doing better, thankfully. Hopefully he will be home in a couple of days.

It's stressful given his cardiac status.

[Critters2]

3. Yeah. Many do (not everyone, but that's to be expected).

In the midst of some bullshit a few months ago, I asked my moderator for a written reference. It started "Pastor Critters is a great pastor..."

I guess they like me. :blush:

[supernova]

4. They like you!

:thumbsup:

If you really feel badly about it, you can always donate the overage to the charity of your choice.

[Critters2]

5. That's what I'll probably do. nt

[Rabrrrrrr]

7. I think you should take it - they have responsibility to you,

and pastors are too quick to deny a raise when "finances are tight". Finances are far too often tight because the level of giving is so goddamned low, not because the members are hurting financially. Although at this particular point in history, it's a mix of both.

Take the raise, and don't feel guilty about it. It'll also add more money to your pension.

Plus, every time you don't take a raise, the church gets used to paying a smaller amount, and then, when you leave, they suddenly realize that the cost of a minister is 20% more than they've been paying, because the new guy/woman ain't gonna take a 2007 level pay package. I've known pastors who have done the "honorable" thing by not taking raises to "help" their congregations and keep their salary at, say, $35,000, and then those congregations are faced with the bad news five years later when the pastor leaves and a new pastor is going to cost them $45,000.

If you DO feel that you can live on less, then donate more money to the church and equalize it.

But by God, the congregation needs to keep paying its minister an appropriate and proper wage, both because that's your covenant with them, and also so they aren't surprised in a few years when they're searching for someone else.

[tjwmason]

8. I strongly second Rabrrrrrr

Having seen both sides of the clergy-congregation divide, I think it is appropriate for them to give you a pay-rise...but equally it is appropriate for you to consider the best manner of spending your stipend.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

9. what rabrrr said