It's time for that uncomfortable conversation again: my compensation. The fact that the finance committee should have this conversation with me seems like an unnecessary nuisance to them. They've already decided what they're going to give me in their finance committee meeting and they don't think they need my input to decide whether it is adequate. They think it's the pastor's particular quirk that he should request an annual review of compensation. The last pastor never did that.
I will be pointing out this question, addressed to the elders, from the Guide for Church Visiting: “Is your level of financial support for the minister appropriate and sufficient? Do you discuss this matter with your minister(s) yearly?” (Emphasis added). It is not my personal quirk, but a legitimate expectation, endorsed by the CRCNA. I will also be making specific use of the Minister's Compensation Survey, for which I am exceedingly grateful.
What I wish I could find would be a bit more from the denomination in support of this practice. Where did this Church Visiting question come from? I can't find anything in the Church Order. Is it backed up in some synodical Acts?
When I enter that room tonight, I will be utterly alone, in more ways than one. I am the only one who can advocate for my family and I hate it. I hate talking about money. But I'm expected to pay for Christian education for my children. I moved from Canada and found myself financially burdened by unbelievable health care expenses. I wish that my denomination would give me a little more support in this regard.