Your Pastor: The Most Overlooked Investment in Church Growh

By Chris Compton

Every church wants to make an impact, whether by reaching the lost, discipling the next generation, or serving its community. At the heart of each of these goals is mission. But when churches talk about mission and growth, the conversation often drifts toward strategy: programs, campaigns, facility upgrades, or a stronger digital presence.

What’s often overlooked is one of the most impactful and strategic investments a church can make: the pastor. And not just spiritually or emotionally, but financially.

Supporting the pastor is more than an act of kindness; it’s a commitment to the long-term health of your church’s mission. When a church strengthens its leader, it strengthens its future. A church that takes care of its shepherd is truly fulfilling its mission.

Advancing the Mission

Pastors do far more than preach. They are spiritual leaders who cast vision, shepherd the hurting, coordinate ministries, build teams, handle crises, and help the church navigate spiritual and practical challenges. Their ministry touches every facet of church life. In many ways, pastors are the champions of the church mission. When a church invests in its pastor with care, respect, and adequate compensation, it reflects the value the congregation places on that mission.

How does the Bible speak to the issue? In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Paul wrote, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” He continues by quoting, “The labourer is worthy of his reward.” Financial support for pastors is not only wise, but it’s also biblical.

Hidden Costs of Underinvestment

Too many pastors live with financial uncertainty. They serve faithfully but quietly bear financial burdens. Some are underpaid, lack retirement plans, or carry personal debt they can’t manage due to slim salaries. Others do without basic benefits like health insurance or paid vacation. Over time, these take a toll, not only on the pastor but also on the church. When pastors are financially strained, they are more likely to experience stress, burnout, or even leave the ministry altogether.

A pastor in crisis cannot lead a thriving church. When a pastor is constantly distracted by financial worries, his capacity to focus on the church mission is diminished. The result? A church that gradually loses momentum and mission clarity.

Investing in Your Pastor Strengthens the Church

Imagine a pastor who doesn’t worry about making ends meet, whose family is cared for, who has time for rest, continuing education, and long-term planning. These are not just a blessing to the pastor but a blessing to the entire church.

When pastors are cared for well, they are:

• Focused more on ministry than financial survival.
  

• Emotionally and spiritually available for their congregations.
  

• More likely to remain in ministry long-term.
  

• Better equipped to lead the church in fulfilling its mission.
  

In other words, when a church invests generously in its pastor, it multiplies its effectiveness and creates an environment where the mission can flourish.
What Does Investing in Your Pastor Look Like?

This kind of investment doesn’t always require a large budget, but it does require intentionality. Here are some things your church should consider:

• Evaluate and provide fair compensation that keeps pace with cost-of-living changes.
  

• Contribute to a retirement plan.
  

• Offer health insurance, paid time off, and other essential benefits when possible.
  

• Budget for continued development through conferences, sabbaticals, and ministry training.
  

• Offer financial tools to help your pastor thrive personally and professionally.
  

Pastoral Care = Mission

If your church’s mission is to spread the gospel, disciple believers, and impact the community, then your pastor is at the heart of that mission. A struggling pastor limits the mission; a supported pastor helps move it forward.

Make investing in your pastor part of your church’s vision. When you do, you’re not just being generous; you’re being strategic, biblical, and faithful to the mission to which your church has been called.

About the Writer: Chris Compton is the CFO for Richland Ave Financial. He graduated in 2007 with an M.A. in Bible Exposition from Columbia International University. A 1998 graduate of East Tennessee State University, he has over two decades of administrative and financial experience in various fields, along with seven years in pastoral ministry.