The Compensation Decision Support Tool was created by Concordia Plans to assist LCMS ministries in the process of determining salaries for certain staff positions. This tool provides compensation suggestions for Sole Pastor, Senior Pastor, and Associate Pastor, Director of Christian Education, Director of Christian Outreach, Deaconess, Director of Family Life Ministry, Director of Parish Music and Lay Minister.
The tool is free to use. Salaries generated by the tool are only suggestions. Ministries are not instructed nor required to use the figures generated by the tool. The tool uses a baseline salary number for each position that is then adjusted by factors including location, experience and education level. As total employee compensation consists of more than salary, there are other factors to consider when calling a church worker. After using the tool to generate salary suggestions, please read further for other compensation items to consider.