Compensation Guidelines
2025 Compensation Guidelines (Approved by Virginia Synod Assembly in April 2024)
- 2025-Rostered-Minister-Compensation-Guidelines Approved by Synod Assembly
- VA-Synod-Compensation-Workbook-Word-and-Sacrament-2025 Approved Updated Aug 28 2024
2024 Compensation Guidelines (Approved by Virginia Synod Assembly in June 2023)
- 2024 Rostered Minister Compensation Guidelines
- VA Synod Compensation Workbook Rostered Ministers 2024 (Excel – updated April 2023)
2023 Compensation Guidelines (Approved by Virginia Synod Council in Sept. 2022)
- 2023 Rostered Minister Compensation Guidelines (Updated Oct. 5, 2022)
- VA Synod Compensation Workbook Rostered Ministers 2023 (Excel – updated Sept 27 2022)
2022 Compensation Guidelines (Approved at 2021 Virginia Synod Assembly)
- 2022 Rostered Ministers of Word and Sacrament Compensation Guidelines Approved 2021 Updated May 2022
- Virginia Synod Compensation Workbook: Word and Sacrament 2022 (Approved June 2021 Updated May 2022)(Excel)
- 2022 Rostered Ministers of Word and Service Compensation Guidelines Approved 2021 Updated May 2022
- Virginia Synod Compensation Workbook Word and Service 2022 (Approved June 2021 Updated May 2022) (Excel)
- Proposed 2022 Compensation Guidelines FAQ (Updated 6/1/21)
- Pre-Assembly Meeting Compensation Guidelines Summary June 2021
Compensation Guidelines Training 2021 from Virginia Synod, ELCA on Vimeo.
Other Compensation Related Documents
- ELCA Definition of Compensation and Benefits for a Pastor
- Instructions for Completing the Definition of Compensation and Benefits Form for a Pastor
- This form is completed when a pastor is being called and reflects the compensation offered to a pastor at the time of call. It should be included as part of the ballot when a congregation votes to call a pastor.
- This form should also be revisited annually by the pastor and the congregation Council. Both the compensation and the special emphases noted on the previous Definition of Compensation and Benefits Form should be evaluated. This is best done as part of an annual ministry review process. Anytime this form changes, a copy should be sent to the synod office for the congregation’s and the rostered minister’s file.
- ELCA Definition of Compensation and Benefits for a Deacon
- Instructions for Completing the Definition of Compensation and Benefits Form for a Deacon
- This form is completed when a deacon is being called and reflects the compensation offered to a deacon at the time of call. It should be included as part of the ballot when a congregation votes to call a deacon.
- This form should also be revisited annually by the deacon and the congregation Council. Both the compensation and the special emphases noted on the previous Definition of Compensation and Benefits Form should be evaluated. This is best done as part of an annual ministry review process. Anytime this form changes, a copy should be sent to the synod office for the congregation’s and the rostered minister’s file.
Mutual Ministry Team Resources
The Model Constitution for ELCA Congregations includes a provision for each congregation to have a Mutual Ministry Team to support the on-going ministry of the Rostered Ministers and staff of a congregation. The links below include information on establishing a Mutual Ministry Team and some suggestions for how a Mutual Ministry Team conversation might be shaped.