One of the ways we think of the rostered minister’s (pastor/deacon) ministry is in terms of their efforts on behalf of the lay members of the congregation. In the same way, the ministry of the laity includes the care of the rostered minister and of the rostered minister’s family. This concern for one another in the congregation is a witness to what we believe and practice in the life of the church.
Rostered ministers are considered professional workers due to the education, responsibility, and personal requirements of these positions. Their experience and training are highly specialized. Rostered ministers are to be paid a livable wage with needed benefits, providing for their ability to serve well. Ministries (congregations, camps, etc.) should carefully craft annual budgets and compensation packages. Spending more than what can be afforded is not responsible; at the same time, paying less is not what ministries of faith are called to be. Compensation for all leaders in ministry should reflect the values, vision, and mission of the congregation or ministry.
The following tools are meant to assist ministries and rostered ministers in determining fair compensation. Below you will find the full 2025 Compensation Guidelines document of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin-ELCA along with an online calculator tool that you can use to determine minimum compensation and benefit packages for rostered ministers.
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- If you have any questions regarding rostered minister compensation please contact Marie Leafblad, Associate to the Bishop for Leadership Support at mariel@scsw-elca.org and Bishop Joy Mortensen-Wiebe at joymw@scsw-elca.org or (608) 270-0201.
- If you have questions or need assistance with Portico Benefit Services please reach out to Jennifer Prinz at jprinz@porticobenefits.org or (563) 650-4122. Jennifer is the Portico Benefit Services’ regional representative covering the ELCA Region 5 (Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Upper Peninsula of Michigan) along with Central States Synod (Kansas and Missouri).
