I'm a pastor and would like to know what is the best way to have my salary decided? Can I be compensated according to church growth, bonuses, etc.?


I believe the best way to establish your compensation is through some type of board of mature individuals. Have them decide the amount of your salary.

At my church, the Board of Trustees decides upon and approves my salary. When we were a younger church and the Board of Trustees was not as fully developed, I also had another board that recommended my salary to the Board of Trustees.

The IRS doesn't permit employees of a nonprofit organization to receive bonuses based on the growth of that organization. The board can and should take your performance into consideration when setting your salary.

I like what the Apostle Paul told Pastor Timothy regarding the pay of ministers: "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,' and, 'The laborer is worthy of his wages'" (1 Tim. 5:17-18 NKJ).

For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
(1 Cor. 9:9-11,14 NKJ)

God's heart is for the pastor, and others who help him, to be paid from the offerings of the church. Double honor refers to a very good salary being paid to the pastor.

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