To Standardize Vacancy Pastor Remuneration Guidelines

WHEREAS, There are over 500 vacancies in our Synod at any given time with the average vacancy duration approaching three years; and

WHEREAS, These congregations call upon neighboring circuit pastors or retired pastors to assist with those vacancies lo cum ten ens (to hold the place of); and

WHEREAS, The number of pastors available to serve a vacancy is decreasing; and

WHEREAS, Congregations need guidance from the circuit visitor or district president to determine appropriate remuneration for pastors serving the vacancy, especially if the duties of preaching, teaching, catechizing, and visiting hospitals and the home bound are divided up among several pastors, each taking a particular role in serving the vacant congregation; and

WHEREAS, The current practices manifest widely divergent pay scales between adjacent districts, affecting vacant congregations within the same metropolitan area; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Council of Presidents (COP) be directed to review current practices synodwide for the remuneration of pastors serving vacancies; and be it further

Resolved, That the COP prepare equitable remuneration guidelines for the remuneration of pastors serving vacancies, taking into consideration such things as congregation size, duties to be performed, and regional cost of living.