Christian Pipe Smokers

Seems like a rotten thing to do - dissing those who serve you. Times are tough for them too. The Pastors pay is the only one (barely) keeping up with inflation and the others are falling behind. You asked for advice - if the custodian is able to secure another job I'd let them go with a months pay to free up money to pay the others what they deserve. Custodial duties can be picked up by the men in the congregation until things improve.

OR

I've found that congregations who can't/won't pay competitive wages end up with Aunt Millie as the choir/music director and Cousin Ellie as the 'secretary'. If you're in a position to help determine staff salaries, you know what goes on behind the curtain and how much work is unseen by most of the congregation. If the money isn't there, send one of the leaders to the front at the end of the service and explain that the lay members need to step up. Tell them the Deacons/Vestry/leaders have increased their giving (they have, right?) but it's still short. Don't make the Pastor do it.

Praying for Mr Pipers church in particular and underfunded churches and underpaid staff in general.

Praying also for us. Are our local churches in good shape? Can we give more ourselves? Times are as tight for our church as they are for us. Consider it.

Thank you for your prayers and advice. Our music minister was a blessing. He said he knew his salary was way higher than the top end for a bi vocational minister of music and he really didn't expect a raise.

Everyone was pleased as all got some raise and remain well above the top of the scale we calibrated. Our pastor got the greatest raise in $ and % and to be fair, he is still just below top of range but he is paid generously. He and his wife own a nice home and she doesn't have to work. Still we always want to be fair and sensitive to those who serve with their career. I genuinely appreciate and took to heart the thoughts here and am grateful for the prayers.

Praying

Prayer of thanks for the grace shown to and by all involved Mr Piper.

Praying.

Praying