In the call to ministry, a pastor and a congregation enter into a covenantal relationship. In this relationship, the pastor pledges to care for the spiritual needs of the community and the congregation in turn pledges to care for both the spiritual and temporal needs of the pastor. An important part of these temporal needs is a just wage consistent with the community in which the congregation resides, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Mindful of this covenantal relationship, the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference provides the following guidelines for clergy compensation. The recommended salary structure takes into consideration both size of congregation and length of experience in ministry. These figures assume an ordained pastor and a full-time position (see special section for licensed or part-time ministers). In using these guidelines as a starting point for conversation, congregations are also asked to take into consideration additional factors unique to each setting, including additional advanced degrees and specialized training. Also to be considered is the cost of living, particularly housing, in the particular vicinity of the church.

2023 Clergy Compensation Guidelines

Letter regarding 2023 Clergy Compensation Recommendations

2022 – Clergy Compensation Guidelines