Tag: pastor

Hey Nazarene Pastors, what are you waiting for?

On By Rob Prince3 Comments

Nazarene Pensions and Benefits has tried to help Nazarene pastors’ meager retirement plan. Last year P&B announced that pastors could get up to a 50% match of what a local church/pastor contributed in their Fidelity 403b account (up to a $2500 or 50% of $5,000). The latest addition of the NBUSA Quarterly–the newsletter for the Nazarene Benefits (see it here) has a troubling statistic. Through the first three quarters of last year, a whopping 76% of Nazarene ministers did not receive a match in their fidelity account. 

76%?

What are you waiting for my fellow pastors?

This is free money for you? Who not named Elon Musk or Bill Gates turns down free money (I think even those guys would take free money). 

As the church pays some (if not all) of the Pensions apportionment and the pastor/church contribute to the pastor’s Fidelity account; then Pension and Benefits matches (read: free money) up to $2500 (read again: free money) into their account. For example, my church pays its pension budget in full; then the church matches what a pastor contributes up to $2500. So the pastor gives $2500; our church gives $2500 and the denomination gives $2500. The grand total is $7500 in the pastor’s retirement account.

For old guys and gals like me, it helps a little bit. For younger pastors getting $7500 into a retirement account is a game changer. If young pastors do this year after year, when they become an old pastor like me, they will not need to worry about their retirement years. 

Last year, I thanked P&B for this change (you can read that article here). The old adage, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink,” seems to be true. As it relate to Nazarene pastors’ retirement maybe it should read: “You can try to provide a better retirement for Nazarene pastors, but 76% have said, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

Pastors this is the best retirement plan ever offered by our church. Please take advantage of it. Even if the local church and pastor can’t contribute the full $5000, pay your P&B budget and do something, anything. 

It’s a good deal. 

What are you waiting for?

When “Ghosted” Rely on the Holy Ghost

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

To be “ghosted” by someone is to end all contact without warning or explanation. Every pastor (who has been in church life for very long) knows the hurt that accompanies this response by parishioners. It’s disheartening when a pastor invests in a family’s life; been beside them in some of their most difficult circumstances and then the family leaves the church. Usually this occurs over a minor issue, that is, if the pastor ever discovers the true reason for the hasty exit.

Such “ghosting” is not limited to the wandering sheep of the pastor’s flock. Pastors have been “ghosted” by their district superintendent. They hear from their leader only if their church has failed to pay their apportionments, if at all. Denominational leaders ghost pastors too. Don’t return calls. Hedge on the truth. Are less than forthright. It happens. 

Disappointment in people (whether lay people or denominational leaders) is part and parcel with life in the ministry. People are people. They are broken. They sin. They lie. They go on social media with such nonsense. It hurts. It’s not new. Disappointment in people’s decisions have been around since Adam and Eve first grabbed the forbidden fruit in the garden. Still it hurts when people behave in such ways. The knife cuts even deeper when the hurt comes from people one has loved and respected.

Dismayed by such “ghosting,” often pastors feel all alone. As it happens again and again, this disappointment in lay people coupled with indifference from leadership has led many pastors to throw up their hands and quit. Ironically, when the pastor walks away, lay people and church leaders then attribute the minister’s exit to “burn out.” Failing to recognize that their ghosting silence and indifference led to the pastor’s demise. All this to say, it’s tough being a pastor these days.

To the laypeople and church leaders reading this: Don’t neglect the local pastor. Their job is immense. It’s hard. They are on the front lines of the Enemy’s attack. They need cheerleaders not mudslingers. They need people they can count on–  that have the pastor’s back, not those who will put a knife in it. They need encouragement, not silence. 

To the pastor’s reading this, you’d expect me to quote Jesus words that He will never leave you or forsake you. That’s true, but you already know that. Maybe you’d think I would remind you to keep your eyes on Jesus and not people. That’s also true, but I surmise you already know that too. Here’s my word for the disheartened and discouraged: You are not alone. You are not the only one who feels the way you feel. I’ve been there. All good pastors have been there. Press on. Don’t quit. Love those sheep who have stayed. Pray for those who have left and the clueless leaders who do not understand your plight.

Maybe what’s needed most is this:  Grab a cup of coffee at an out-of-the-way shop. Read a novel. Take a nap. My prayer for all of us (Church leaders, pastors, lay people) is Paul’s prayer for the Roman Church (in King James English): Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13 KJV. Allow the Holy Ghost to renew your “ghosted” and heavy heart.

(Edited to read:  To my dear friends at Central Church who might be reading this, we have so many encouragers at our church! If every pastor had parishioners like Central Church there would be far less walking away! Thanks for your love and generosity).

Only 49 USA/Canada Nazarene Pastors Are Under 30— A Few Suggestions to Address the Problem

On By Rob Prince6 Comments

On January 1, 1990 Karla and I packed everything we owned into a U-Haul and drove from Alanson, Michigan (where I had been the youth pastor) to Bad Axe, Michigan. It would be my first church as a solo pastor. I was 26 years old. By today’s standards, I would have been a rarity.

There are 4,331 lead pastors in the Church of the Nazarene in USA/Canada, only 49 lead/solo pastors are under 30 years old. Moreover, just 10.1% of the pastors are under 40; where as 40.1% are over 60.* These statistics lead one to ask several questions:

  • Is God not calling young people into ministry these days?  
  • Are young people not heeding the call?
  • Do would-be, young Nazarene pastors disagree Nazarene theology and polity**
  • What is happening and what will happen when these old pastors start retiring if there is no one to replace them? 

Clearly, the dwindling of young pastors is a problem. What can be done to increase the total of ministers under 40? It begins in middle school, maybe earlier. Here are a few suggestions:

Pastors modeling Christlike behavior. Seeing more young people called into ministry begins with healthy pastors modeling before the congregation a life in the Spirit and a joy in the calling of God. 

Preacher’s talking about the joys of pastoring. Not every assignment is a joy, but faithful pastoring is rewarding. Being able to share the joys new babies in baptism or dedication; experiencing the new birth of a young teenager in Christ; having the best “seat” in the house for weddings; helping families through the rough patches of life; and saying the closing words at the funeral of a saint are the joys of pastoring that cannot be overstated. Good, godly pastors are the best antidote for more pastors.

Parents/grandparents speaking kindly and appreciative of those in the ministry. Much of a young person’s knowledge of the ministry comes from what is spoken about the clergy in their home. Gossip, backbiting and hateful words are heard and remembered by children. Likewise, kind, appreciative words go a long way in establishing a respect for the ministry.

Professors speaking favorably of pastoral ministry. In particular, speaking positively and expressing the need for small town pastor in the college classroom. Many ministry majors have been steered away from pastoral ministry from the horror stories heard in the university. “Small town or small churches are small for a reason,” they’ve been told; “people are stuck in their ways; they won’t listen to a young pastor;” and “a small church will eat you up and spit you out.” Such lessons, while may be true is some cases, but do not help encourage those 30 and under to become small town/small church pastors.

The denomination could offer the elimination student debt for ministers of small churches. Making pastoring a small church more affordable should be a priority for the denomination. Getting creative with funding of small churches is essential. Many churches have unloaded their parsonages in the last twenty years and now cannot afford to pay a young pastor (often saddled with debt) a living full time salary.

Districts setting up small town/small church grants could also assist with making small church pastoral assignments affordable. Districts could set up funds to assist pastors salaries or health insurance costs. This is not a totally new concept. When I was pastoring Bad Axe, the district paid half our health insurance, since the church could not afford it. Similar incentive plans to assist small churches which would help in the recruitment and retention of pastors in smaller settings. Most districts have enough excess funds to afford an incentive program. 

Church members recognizing they have two choices: get younger or die. Choose the former, then do whatever it takes to convince a young pastor to come to the church and then do whatever it takes to support that pastor. Choose the latter, do nothing and watch the church die a slow agonizing death.

Sadly too often young people have been given a negative picture of small churches from bad pastors, gossip in their homes, negativity from some college professors, the lack of affordability and have decided, “Thanks but no thanks.”  Churches must be willing to turn over the keys (and purse strings) to a new generation of pastors; district superintendents must be willing to endorse and support young pastors; and young men and women must heed the ministerial calling or there won’t be a church to turn over to the coming generations. 

*The numbers only reflect lead/solo pastors. There are plenty of pastors who serve as associate pastors in some capacity who are under the ager of 30. Some of them will become lead/solo pastors. Still 49 pastors under the age of 30 seems like an absurdly low number. 

**The argument that 30 and under people have disagreements with our theology and/or politics of many people in the churches seems more antidotal than factual. For example, many young people agree with the church’s traditional Biblical position regarding human sexuality. They don’t support with the all-too-often posture toward those who disagree. They don’t like the anger and hatred spewed. Many love Jesus and the church. 

One Statistic to Drop from the Nazarene Annual Pastor’s Report (APR) and Five Stats to Add

On By Rob Prince4 Comments

It’s the Nazarene Pastor’s Annual Report (APR) time and the all Nazarene pastors around the world shouted a collective “UGHHHHHH!!” As much as pastors don’t look forward to filling out the form (think of it as an ecclesiastical version of the IRS 1040 Form), the APR is an important tool for the denomination. It provides all the statistics of churches, pastors, attendance and offerings. It’s a pained necessity.

But the APR is not perfect. There are some things counted that makes one think the leaders-that-be are still in 1974. For example, why count Caravan* numbers (if you are asking, “what’s Caravan?” You’ve proven my point. For the uninformed according to the Foundry website, Caravan is a scouting—or kids’ club—type of program for children in first through sixth grade… Caravan uses an active, hands-on learning approach to help children grow physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually. Caravan focuses on teaching everyday skills with a distinctly Christian focus). Of the 4417 churches in USA/Canada in 2023 only 196 reported having a Caravan program. Canada only had 3 of their 145 churches report a Caravan program. If over 95% of churches (98% in Canada) aren’t running a program– is it worth reporting? (Note: Haiti and Papua New Guinee love Caravan; they account for 1/3 of the Caravan enrollees).   

If the numbers are meant to show church health, the Caravan program fails to meet this standard. Aren’t there better things that should be tallied? Of course, here are a few more relevant indicators of church health that should be counted:

  1. Children’s Bible Quiz. These numbers are not reported but the church thinks highly of this program as evidenced by the “World Quiz” at General Assembly. As far as I know, there is not a quadrennial “Caravan round up” or an alumni gathering of Phineas F. Bresee Award winners.
  2. Teen Bible Quiz. While I assume that there are more children quizzers than teens (I know there are more at the church I pastor), still teen Bible quizzing seems like a legitimate statistic to track. Again, there is world quiz meets at GA or NYC gatherings. Teen quizzing can be an important discipleship tool.
  3. Youth involvement in church ministries. Getting youth involved in the ministries of the church creates ownership in the church. For there to be a “church of tomorrow,” youth must be involved today. Tracking youth involvement is a key indicator of a healthy intergenerational church both of today and tomorrow.
  4. Number of volunteers working in ministries within the church building. Like the previous indicator, this number would track (at least somewhat), the “buy-in” of church folks into the programming of the local church. This year-to-year assessment could show if the ministries of the church are growing or producing more disciples and leaders.
  5. Volunteer Hours of the church membership outside of the church walls. This number would indicate both missionally and evangelistically how involved or not involved the church is in the community. Seems like an important number to track.   *Tracking hours could be difficult but following this number year-to-year would help evaluate the strength of the missional aspect of the church. If tracking hours seems too difficult, counting participants could also be done.

There are probably other indicators that could be counted to help determine the health of church. Counting these five areas is a start. 

*Written with apologies to heavenly Rev. Milton Bunker, one of the creators of Caravan and former member of the Flint Central Church of the Nazarene. It’s my contention, Caravan, at one time, was an important discipleship tool for children, but has run its course. 

How much is too little (in pastoral compensation)?

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Last week, I wrote on the extreme high salaries in Christian ministries and colleges. The question was “how much is too much?” Maybe the more accurate question for the majority of those in ministry is: “how little is too little?”

The majority of churches in this country are under 100 people. The average church seats 200 people, the average attendance is 60 people and dropping. There are plenty of discouraging numbers regarding the de-churching of America. You can read about it here.  With each former tither walking out the door, the question looms: How can a minister survive with declining attendance and declining offering totals?  The hard reality is: she/he cannot. 

It used to be at an interview for a prospective minister: “Does your spouse play the piano?” Now the question is: “Does your spouse have a job that can support your family and provide health insurance too?”

There aren’t many good answers to the dilemma of a church unable to pay a livable wage. Here are the choices:

  1. Second Career Pastors.
  2. Muti-point charge. (pastoring multiple churches)
  3. Bi-vocational pastor
  4. Pastor with spousal financial support
  5. Close the church doors.

(Let me also add, if a church cannot afford a livable wage for a pastoral staff member, DO NOT call one to the church. It is the duty of the church to provide a livable wage to the full time pastoral team).

There are problems with all of the above options. The possible problem with a second career pastor is: does this group have adequate theological/pastoral training? Pastoring multiple churches is getting past the mindset that a single pastor is always at a particular church’s beck-and-call. The problem with bi-vocational pastorate is the minister has only 24 hours in a day to juggle family/church/job. Most generally something suffers in such an arrangement. Not all ministers have spouses and not all of the pastoral spouses have the ability or desire to provide the financial support for their family. It’s obvious, closing the doors is not favorable outcome. 

Each church/pastor will need to decide what is the best option for their circumstance. These criteria should be considered:

  1. A full time pastor deserves a full time salary and benefits in line with what school teachers or social workers in the area are compensated. 
  2. If the financial situation of the church cannot afford a full time pastor, then the church body must understand their reality that a full time pastor is not an option. Either their pastor will be bi-vocational; or two (or three) churches must join together for a muti-point charge and the pastor will be like the old Methodist circuit riders (only with better transportation and technology). The church must be flexible in other words — in meeting times and in their expectation of their heart divided pastor in a multi-charge or bi-vocational situation .
  3. It’s a choice between closing the doors or having a pastor that is not always available.
  4. It is difficult (not impossible) to grow when the pastor is divided either between multiple churches and/or secular employment. Don’t expect your pastor to be the next Billy Graham or Apostle Paul.

How much is too little? In my first assignment, we were paid below the poverty line. We were young and didn’t really realize how poor we were. We were eligible for food stamps and free baby items through social services. We chose to accept neither and trusted that the Lord would take care of us. He did, but ours may have been the exception. It was a different time, back then. I’m not sure we could survive now in such an environment.

If too little is given to compensate a pastor, an unintended outcome of bitterness developing within the pastor or more likely the pastor’s family is real. The cost of pastor’s desire to reach the world in the midst difficult financial circumstances may be his/her family. If this unhealthy attitude develops, then the question of “How little is too little?” is a game changer. Moreover, if too little is given, the pastor will also more than likely have too little on which to retire (although I am very thankful for the Nazarene Pensions and Benevolence matching contribution change in 2024. You can read my article here). Again, the inability for adequate retirement planning is not a good desired outcome for the pastor.

Churches need to assess their current reality and not continue to expect a pastor to survive on too little. The cost of such expectation toward the pastor and his family is too high. 

How Much Salary is Too Much for Pastors, Christian College Personnel and Ministry Leaders?

On By Rob Prince2 Comments

Ministry Watch published a list of the highest paid ministry leaders. You can read the list here.  The highest paid was David Cerullo at a cool $4,520,383. (His wife was #92 placing an additional $409,919 into the family’s bank account). There’s money in owning an “inspirational network.” JoAnn Lindsey, of the Hal Lindsey Ministries, was #15 on the list at $750,000, and Hal Lindsey also made the list coming in at #62 receiving $470,000. There’s money in the end times too. Others on the list were Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse (#11); Sandiago Mellado of Compassion International (#58) and Hal Donaldson of Convoy of Hope (#63). I don’t want to write this, but apparently there is money in disasters and poor people. Ugh.

The synoptic gospels all record Jesus as saying, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:25). They also recorded Jesus as saying, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). In other words, for those on the list, it will be difficult, not impossible to enter the kingdom of God. Moreover, Paul gives Timothy instructions for those that are rich. He doesn’t condemn the rich. He warns them of the dangers (see 1 Timothy 6:9-10) and encourages them to be generous (See 1 Timothy 6:17-19). 

The list shouldn’t call the rest of us to be envious or filled with greed, but should make us pause and ask, “How much is too much?” Is Jesus example, whose sole possession of a robe at the time of his death, the goal? Jesus doesn’t appear to ask everyone to sell everything and give it to the poor like he did the rich young ruler. He doesn’t ask us all to leave everything and follow him, like he did the disciples. Is it appropriate for “Christian” ministries to have large salaries on their payroll? Is yours and my salary appropriate in light of the world’s poverty and need?

As far as I can tell, there are no Nazarenes on the list. Our General Superintendents aren’t getting rich in their positions. Although the same organization, Ministry Watch, also published a list of the 100 Highest-Paid Christian College And University Executives. You can read the article here. It’s no surprise, in our convoluted, sport-crazed society that a basketball coach heads the college highest paid list (Scott Drew at Baylor University earns over five million a year). The football coach at Liberty is second. According to the article, the only Nazarene to make that list is Bob Brower, president of Point Loma Nazarene University (#74 at $439,386).

Leaving aside the outrageous salaries of coaches (the tight end coach at Liberty is #78 on the list making $428,535. Seriously, a tight end coach?), how much is too much to pay Christian ministry or college executives. In my opinion, college president is the most difficult job in the our denomination. Too many people (faculty, students, parents, denominational leaders, boards of trustees, accrediting institutions, the government, pastors on the region, etc.) think they can tell the president what he/she should be doing. Being a Christian educator, especially in California with its rules, regulations and Title IX understanding, is tough. Being the president of PLNU is tough these days with the pastoral transition hullabaloo at San Diego First Church. Is it $439,386 tough? Maybe. I wouldn’t want Dr. Brower’s job for any amount of money.

My intent is not to throw stones, but to ask questions. We are in the process of setting the budget for the church where I pastor. We wrestle with what are appropriate salaries for our pastors and workers too. The cost of living in Flint, Michigan is different from the cost of living in San Diego. The cost of living in Flint, Michigan is also different from the cost of living in Somalia. People in the third world, might rightfully state that all of our USA salaries are shamefully high. How much is too much for a ministry leader, pastor or college president to make? 

Christian institutions (the church included) should be good stewards with the resources with which we’ve been entrusted. In all things, we need to seek the Lord’s guidance. The way we  spend our money is important. Are we generous? Can we do more for the poor? Are we blessing our communities? How much is too much? 

Before we pass judgement, we should look in the mirror.