I've never been one to fix my bayonet over gender issues in the church. There are some people out there who get some sort of thrill from talking about gender roles into the wee hours of the night. These people love debating why women can't preach or teach or pastor or lead men and why men should do all those things. If your internet browser's homepage is set to The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, please don't get angry. I am not saying your beliefs are wrong, I am just saying that I consider gender roles to be a secondary issue, and I don't allow my life to become consumed by secondary issues. I have a female writing mentor, and I have had a female teach my co-ed community group, but I have never fully discussed my views in public. Maybe one day I will but not today. I just want to touch the hem of this issue's garment.
According to a new Barna study, the number of overall women senior pastors has doubled since 1999. The proportion is still low--only 10%--but it is expected to continue rising. Taken by itself, this is not terribly interesting, but the story runs deeper. Though the average female senior pastor is more educated than her male counterpart, she can expect to earn less money for the same job. 77% of women senior pastors have a seminary degree compared with only two-thirds of men senior pastors. The average female senior pastor earns $45,300 annually vs. the average male pastor who earns $48,600 annually.
If we were to encounter a similar situation in the secular world, most Christians would label this an injustice. Is it not similarly unjust in the church context? To those who believe women should be prohibited from the senior pastorate, does that belief trump what seems to be an injustice for those who fill those offices currently?
David Farmer said:
Injustice! Equal pay for equal work; I don't understand why female clergy would be paid less. Some of the best sermons I've heard have been from female pastors...their work is just as valuable as the work from male pastors.
Posted: November 5, 2009
Travis Mamone said:
I won't go into whether or not women should serve as pastors, 'cause I'm not really sure. But I think if a man and woman have the same position, they should both get the same pay, regardless of what that position may be.
Posted: November 5, 2009
justin said:
On the (barely) bright side, I believe that is far more equitable than many professions.
Posted: November 6, 2009
Mike Waggoner said:
This issue deals with something far more important than the gender issue and that is...is there a need for paid clergy in the first place? I can find no Biblical precedent for it. I have found were evangelists were subsidized by groups of local believers, but to pay someone to use a spiritual gift (something that comes from God and not a natural ability), just seems like poor stewardship. Paul and his partners would ply their trade, more often than not, to support themselves. I know this is a whole other issue, but it seems to be the more important one that is ignored.
Posted: November 9, 2009
Michelle Hamilton said:
The inequitable pay for female pastors compared to their male peers does not surprise me. This inequality is consistent with other non-religious professions. However, as a female professional I have come to realize that women often choose to live a more balanced life than men, which often results in lower pay.
In response to Mike Waggoner, our natural abilities come from God. Many of us use our spiritual gifts in our professions and are compensated for our God given abilities. Why should clergy be held to a different standard? Also, many clergy are subsidized by local believers who give to the church to support the operating budget, which includes clergy salaries.
Posted: November 9, 2009
Rebecca said:
Well yeah you don't "fix your bayonet" on this issue, you are a guy!
Posted: January 5, 2010