Can we afford a pastor? handbook

A handbook for churches

Can We Afford A Pastor?

A Step-By-Step Handbook With Ten Key Indicators Of Your Church’s Ability To Afford A Full-Time Pastor

AHow can a local church make wise, confident decisions about calling and supporting a full-time pastor?

Many congregations feel the tension between mission and money. They want to grow, serve, and reach their community—but they aren’t always sure whether they can realistically afford a full-time pastor. Without clear financial understanding, churches struggle with uncertainty, stalled decision-making, and unnecessary anxiety.

Can We Afford a Pastor? gives church leaders a practical, straightforward roadmap for answering that question with confidence.

In this handbook, you’ll learn:

• The 10 key financial indicators every church should measure
• How to assess your congregation’s ability to support pastoral compensation
• How staffing decisions affect long-term mission and ministry
• Practical tools for evaluating salary, benefits, and sustainability
• The difference between “what we pay” and “what we can truly afford”
• How to communicate clearly with search committees, finance teams, and congregations

Designed for church boards, elders, finance committees, and search teams, this resource brings together simple math, clear principles, and mission-focused insight to help churches make wise and faithful decisions about pastoral leadership.

Whether you’re budgeting for the future, preparing for a pastoral transition, or seeking clarity for the next season of ministry, this handbook will give your church a solid foundation for financial discernment.

Don’t just guess what your church can afford—understand it. And use it to strengthen your mission.