FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Sandra Hoekstra
Christianity Today International
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Carol Stream, IL 60187
Phone: (630) 260-6200 x4224
Email: Shoekstra@ChristianityToday.com

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Female Pastors Earn More Than Male Pastors
 

National Survey shows Female Pastors Earn 10.4% More than Male Pastors

Carol Stream, IL -- July 31, 2007 -- According to a recent national survey of church workers, females in the position of full-time solo pastor earn more than their male counterparts. The survey these results were gathered from was conducted by Your Church, a ministry of Christianity Today International, and was based on total compensation, the sum of salary plus all benefits including: housing allowance/parsonage, retirement, life insurance, health insurance, and continuing education.

Although the overwhelming majority (93.7%) of solo-pastor respondents was male, female solo-pastors reported 10.4% higher total compensation. Average salary for women solo-pastors alone was 8.6% higher than men’s. Benefits for women solo-pastors were higher as well including: housing allowance/parsonage (20.4% higher) and retirement (24.8% higher). This led to the combined 10.4% higher total compensation for female solo-pastors.

According to survey results, the role of full-time solo pastor is one of two positions where females reported higher compensation than their male counterparts. The other position is Secretary/Administrative Assistant.

The survey was conducted in early 2007 and the final tabulations include responses from over 5,750 people for 13 church positions. The results show compensation analyses for the following church staff positions: Senior Pastors, Solo Pastors, Administrative Pastors, Associate Pastors, Adult Ministry Directors, Youth Pastors, Children’s Directors, Music/Choir/Worship Directors, Administrators, Bookkeepers/Accountants, Secretaries/Administrative Assistants, Custodians, and Part-time Musicians/Vocalist.

The comprehensive results and analysis for all 13 church positions surveyed can be found in The 2008 Compensation Handbook for Church Staff. To pre-order a copy that ships in October, call 1-800-222-1840 or visit www.YourChurchResources.com.

Christianity Today International is a Christian Communications Ministry committed to engage, encourage, and equip the church worldwide, sharing the depth and transforming power of the Gospel as it permeates all spheres of life. Find out more about the ministries of Christianity Today International at www.ChristianityToday.com.

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