There’s a question that haunts the minds of pastors that is rarely talked about publicly.
It surfaces during budget meetings, while opening mail containing modest honorariums, and in the quiet moments when they’re reviewing their family finances at the kitchen table.
The question isn’t spoken aloud often, but it echoes silently in their thoughts:
“Is this all I’m worth?”
This seemingly innocent question has derailed more pastoral ‘careers’ and ministry finances than perhaps any other. And if you’re in ministry, chances are you’ve wrestled with it too.
The Dangerous Mental Trap Most Pastors Fall Into
I have now helped many thousands of Christians with their finances over the years.
And when I looked back at many of the pastors’ financial lives, I noticed a disturbing pattern among many of them.
Nearly all of them were comparing their compensation to one of two benchmarks:
- What they could be making in the corporate world with their education and experience.
- What other pastors at larger churches were making.
And both comparisons led to the same emotional destination: resentment.
One pastor said, “I have a Master’s degree and 15 years of experience. My brother-in-law with the same education makes double what I do in the business world. Some days I wonder if I made a mistake.”
Another admitted, “I know ministry isn’t about money, but when I see the pastor of the megachurch across town driving a new car while I’m figuring out how to pay for my daughter’s braces… it gets to me.”
Here’s the mental shift I wish I could get every pastor to fully embrace:
Your salary is not a reflection of your worth—it’s a reflection of your church’s resources and priorities.
What Scripture Actually Says About Pastoral Compensation
The Bible is surprisingly direct about pastor compensation:
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.'”
1 Timothy 5:17-18
The principle is clear: those who labor in ministry deserve fair compensation.
But notice what’s missing from this passage—any mention of market rates, comparable salaries, or what you “could” be making elsewhere.
The better question to ask
Rather than asking “Is this all I’m worth?”, try asking this instead:
“Am I being faithful with what God has provided?”
This question reframes everything:
- It acknowledges God as your ultimate provider, not your church board
- It focuses on stewardship rather than acquisition
- It puts you in a position of agency rather than victimhood
- It aligns with Jesus’ teaching that faithfulness with little leads to responsibility over much (Luke 16:10)
Why This Matters More Than You Think
There’s a tremendous amount at stake here.
When pastors fall into the comparison trap regarding their compensation:
- Their ministry effectiveness diminishes. It’s hard to preach contentment while harboring financial resentment.
- Financial decisions become emotionally driven. I’ve seen pastors take on unwise debt or make poor investment choices, trying to “keep up” with peers or siblings in the business world.
- Their testimony is compromised. The congregation notices when leaders struggle with contentment, even when it’s unspoken.
- Ministry becomes transactional. The sacred calling gradually transforms into “just a job” that doesn’t pay enough.
3 Practical Steps To Break Free From The Comparison Trap
If you’ve found yourself asking that dangerous question, here are 3 immediate actions to take:
- Conduct a “Gratitude Audit”
List everything God has provided—not just financially, but in terms of ministry impact, relationships, and purpose.
Overwhelming research shows that practicing gratitude actually rewires your brain to notice abundance rather than scarcity. - Establish Clear Financial Boundaries
Don’t wait for your church to solve all your financial challenges. Take ownership by:- Creating a realistic budget based on your actual income
- Setting up automatic savings, even if it’s just $50/month
- Developing a side income that leverages your gifts (teaching, writing, and speaking)
- Find a Financial Accountability Partner Outside Your Church
Select someone who won’t simply validate your financial frustrations but will point you back to biblical principles. Ideally, this should be someone who understands both ministry and money.
The Freedom on the Other Side
When you stop asking “Is this all I’m worth?” and start asking “Am I being faithful with what God has provided?”, something remarkable happens.
- The financial pressure doesn’t necessarily disappear, but your perspective transforms.
- You begin making decisions from a position of stewardship rather than entitlement.
- You model the financial contentment you preach about.
And paradoxically, you often find yourself in a stronger financial position because you’re making decisions aligned with biblical wisdom rather than emotional reactions.
So pastor, the next time that dangerous question creeps into your mind, recognize it for what it is—a demonic distraction from your calling and an invitation to discontentment.
The Enemy knows that if he can keep you focused on your paycheck rather than your purpose, he can neutralize your ministry effectiveness.
Replace it with the better question, and watch how God honors your faithfulness.
And one final word to those who aren’t pastors
Your shepherd carries burdens you cannot see and faces financial pressures rarely discussed openly. The Bible commands: “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17). This isn’t a suggestion—it’s a biblical mandate.
Take care of your pastor, both financially and in every way the Lord leads you. A well-supported shepherd leads to a healthier, stronger flock. Your generosity toward your pastor isn’t charity—it’s an investment in your own spiritual growth and the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
Your friend and coach,
P.S. If you are a pastor, please contact us and share your church name and location—we’ve set aside a special $147 resource package that’ll help with all this so you can transform your financial life and ministry impact. It’s our gift to you, no strings attached.
