The leadership of the Minneapolis Area Synod is committed to healthy lay and pastoral leaders, including by providing a just and livable wage for staff members.
The synod provides the 2026 Compensation Guidelines as a starting point for determining compensation for pastors and lay staff. As guidelines, they will not speak to every financial or personnel situation encountered by congregations and specialized ministries.
Additional Compensation Resources
Below are resources that are referenced and linked in the Compensation Guidelines that may help you in making compensation decisions for your organization.
Compensation Worksheets
These worksheets are designed to help congregations build a compensation package for the different leaders in their setting, using the synod’s salary and compensation guidelines.
- Compensation worksheet for pastors who own or rent a home
- Compensation worksheet for pastors who live in a parsonage
- Compensation worksheet for deacons
- Compensation worksheet for lay program staff
- Compensation worksheet for support staff
Form to Sign When There are Changes to Pastor’s Salary
This form is regularly used at the start of a new call. It offers a space to clarify the commitments, and copies are provided to the congregation, the leader, and the synod. It could be used on a year-to-year basis as a way of documenting changes. It is helpful to send a copy to the Synod when significant changes are made (a new title, a big shift in work status, etc.), but not for typical year-to-year adjustments.
Sample language
If you’re also looking to update your employee handbook, this may be a helpful tool. You can use it as a checklist and borrow the sample language. Reminder: As employers, you should regularly review and update your employee policies and practices, considering new and changing laws. Please consult with a trusted employment attorney or Human Resources professional about these matters.
