Return to Table of Contents

The Deacons and the Pastor

Church boards that desire to be sensitive to the needs of their pastor should give careful thought to the following five questions.

The New Testament makes it clear that the primary task of deacons is to serve. And the pastor, as much as anyone, needs their help. It is to them that the pastor looks for guidance and help in handling the affairs of the congregation.

The entire church will feel the positive effects of a strong and trusting relationship between the pastor and the board of deacons. The harmony that exists in this relationship will soon be copied by the membership of the church.

Several questions should be asked:

(1) Who is the final authority in the local church? Is it the pastor or is it the deacon board? This is hardly a fair question. The Lord is the Head of the Church. His is the final authority in the church. Yet, He works through people. It is His pleasure that the pastor, in harmony with the deacon board, together seek the will of God for direction in handling the affairs of the church. A spirit of "submitting one to another" should prevail. This is not, however, to lessen the place of the pastor as the undershepherd over the household of God.

(2) What are the responsibilities of the deacon board to the pastor in matters of finance? The deacon board should be sensitive to the needs of the pastor in this area. An annual review of the pastor’s salary and benefits is advisable. The increases in cost of living, the positive performance of the pastor, and a comparable wage analysis should be taken into consideration in setting levels of compensation. A pastor should have faith that the Lord will supply his needs, and the deacon board should seek the Lord as to their response to his faith. Mutual respect and understanding are imperative on this sensitive issue.

(3) Is it necessary for the deacon board to give gifts to the pastor on special occasions? This will be a matter for individual boards to determine. While a pastor should never expect any kind of special treatment, there may be occasions when courtesy and love would make giving a gift appropriate. There are many ways for a congregation to show their love and appreciation to the pastor, and an occasional gift may be a chosen way to do so. Never should such considerations as these become of major importance, either to the pastor or to the deacon board.

(4) Is it advisable for the deacon board to maintain a retirement program for the pastor? If possible, there should be positive action on this matter. Too often a pastor reaches retirement age and lacks the financial resources to provide for his own welfare. If a pastor has lived in a parsonage during the years of his ministry, he may be without a home at the time of his retirement. A systematic program of investment will eliminate this unfortunate circumstance. Many churches have developed flexible and practical plans for the retirement needs of the pastor.

(5) Is it advisable for the deacon board to grant the pastor leave for study and prayer? Most certainly it is. In addition to vacation time, a pastor should be allowed time away for study and prayer. One pastor is given 2 weeks per year for this purpose. He has commented that during this time he is able to read through a number of books and have time for prayer and meditation. Deacon boards should admonish their pastor to avail himself of this opportunity. The work of God will be blessed by it.

—Richard L. Dresselhaus. Reprinted from The Deacon and His Ministry, ¬©1977. Gospel Publishing House, Springfield, Mo. Used with permission.