2027 Compensation Update for Rostered Ministers
Dear Siblings in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
These are challenging times to serve the church. And you are called to proclaim hope in a world often overwhelmed by fear, to bring people together in an increasingly divided society, and to accompany God’s people through moments of both profound joy and deep sorrow. This is holy work and it is also demanding work.
The Florida–Bahamas Synod recognizes that our rostered ministers are not immune to the economic pressures facing the communities they serve. Rising costs of housing, healthcare, transportation, and everyday necessities place real burdens on our leaders and their families. We also recognize that the emotional and spiritual demands of ministry cannot always be measured in hours worked or tasks completed.
In recognition of these realities, this year the Rostered Minister Compensation Guidelines include a 4% increase in baseline compensation for both Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Ministers of Word and Service. Taking into account the realities of the general economy, the economy of our congregations, and the real costs you as leaders are facing, this increase was proposed by the compensation guidelines team made up of two lay, two ELCA deacons, and two pastors and approved by bishop.
We recognize that congregations face financial pressures of their own. We encourage congregational councils to approach compensation conversations with generosity and a shared commitment to the well-being of their rostered leaders.
Please know that your synod sees you. We see the late-night hospital visits, the difficult council meetings, the sermons prepared in the midst of exhaustion, the pastoral conversations that linger long after everyone has gone home. We also see the joy you bring to baptisms, the courage you demonstrate in difficult conversations, and the quiet faithfulness through which God’s love becomes visible in your communities.
As we move toward another year of ministry together, my prayer is that you will find renewed strength, meaningful rest, and the encouragement of colleagues who share this calling. Give yourselves permission to receive the same grace you so faithfully proclaim. Thank you for your courage as you continue to proclaim the Gospel even when the path ahead is uncertain.
With gratitude, affection, and hope in Christ,
Pastor Rob Rose
Assistant to the Bishop for Administration
Florida-Bahamas Synod, ELCA
- 2027 Compensation WORKSHEET (this document is the worksheet to use when evaluating/deciding compensation guidelines)
- 2027 Compensation Narrative (this document is the narrative explanation for evaluating/deciding the guidelines)
Mission Support Form (use this form to submit your intended Mission Support commitment)
More FORMS often submitted to the synod office (Mission Support, Travel Equalization, etc)
