In the newest
issue of Children's Ministry Magazine, we've got the results of
our 2013 Salary Survey. No one else does a survey like this, so the
results are exclusive. We've asked paid children's ministry
professionals to tell us how they are compensated for what they
do.
The results are up on our
website. After reading through the data, I thought I would point
out some of the more unexpected findings and talk about them here.
Here are seven surprising stats from the 2013 salary survey.
***
1.Going Up.According to our exclusive survey
results, overall visibility, compensation, and benefits are on the
upswing for professional children's ministers everywhere. More
people are falling in the median full-time salary range, $40,000 to
$44,999, with 22 percent in this pay range. Across the board, more
children's ministry professionals are seeing an increase in
benefits, including 40 percent receiving pension and retirement
contributions.
2. Equip Yourself.Half of you are given a book
and magazine allowance, and 44 percent are given an allowance to
buy supplies. If you are part of the 56 percent not given a supply
allowance, here are some craft supplies you can
make from scratch.
3. Rest and Relax.In 2013, the average paid
children's ministry staffer has four personal days to use and 12
paid vacation days. We've talked about
how important it is to take some time off every now and again.
Use that time off!
4.Here and There.According to the survey, 35
percent of you are bivocational, working two jobs to help
supplement your income. As someone who served in children's
ministry as well as holding a full-time job, I know the challenges
that come with bivocational ministry. A huge thank you for all
those out there that give two (or more) jobs their all.
5.Gender Equality.In 2008, our survey showed
men in full-time children's ministry made about $10,000 more than
women. Today, those figures have balanced out. Both men and women
make the median salary of $40,000 to $44,999.
6. Raise Rates.A little over half (51 percent)
of children's ministers were given a raise this year. That's great
news, because only 11 percent asked for one. If you are part of the
89 percent who didn't ask for a raise, and you feel you deserve
one, check this
article out on how to get a raise without being pushy.
7.Missed Opportunity?We asked survey
participants if they would ever turn down a children's ministry
position because of salary. In 2008, only 14 percent said they
would. Today, 55 percent said yes. Are churches missing out on
talent because of their pay range? Are children's ministers missing
out on God's calling because of money? What do you think?
***
What conclusions do you take from the
findings? Again, you can find the full results here. Let us know your
thoughts in the comment section below.
We know money isn't the reason you got into
this line of work. The work you do, leading kids to Jesus, is
priceless. I want to leave you with this story of ministry and
money. I hope it touches your heart like it did mine.
