It is a basic assumption of mine that most College Ministers are way underpaid for what they do.
Some years ago, I was advocating for a raise for my Associate and I said, "He is worth more than what we are paying him." My boss said, "We don't pay people what they are worth. We have salaries and some people make less than they are worth and some make more than they are worth." I thought that was strikingly honest.
One fact we know is that the strength and size of a college ministry is partly determined by the long term service of a strong College Minister. Most large college ministries are led by long time veterans for a variety of reasons. They know how to do it. They have learned the ins and out of that campus and know how to deal with the administration. They have earned the respect and appreciation of pastors and churches. They have alumni who contribute. So, decent salaries are a key part of having long time, expert College Ministers.
So in a perfect world, how would the salary of a College Minister be determined? Many years ago in Arkansas, when I first started, there were set salaries, but there was an additional $1,000 added to the salaries of the BCM Campus Minister at Arkansas State and University of Arkansas. They were designated as "Campuses with extra responsibility". The size was the "extra responsibility". I would add I think also the higher visibility and expectations that went with these campuses was part of the "extra responsibility".
So, here are 6 Factors for a College Minister Salary Equation:
Size of the Campus: The size of the campus is always a factor. It can make it harder to reach more students as there are more things available usually and the more students there are, the more we want to reach. At least in the South, there are higher expectations placed on College Ministers on large "Flagship Campuses".
Recruiting and Supervising Staff: Supervising others can be time consuming and is key in a multi-staff ministry working well. Plus, we know that the number of staff is a factor in reaching more students. Recruiting good staff is another factor. Good leaders draw good people. But, it takes time and effort.
Years of Experience: Experience is a factor in effectiveness. I was visiting with a first year College Minister and I was impressed by his enthusiasm for his work and if I am totally honest......how little he knew. Experience matters! When I think back to my first year, I can be embarrassed about a lot of things. It also points to the need that every new College Minister should have a wise veteran mentor their first couple of years. Every lesson should not be learned the hard way. Experience matters!
Education: A degree does not make a good College Minister, but obviously, it is a plus! I don't think it has to be a Seminary degree (says the guy who does not have one) but could be an advanced degree in leadership, etc. Some College Ministers now are doing Doctor of Ministry programs where their D-Min Project is a real life study and practice that really can improve their ministry.
Results/Intentionality: Here is the hard one. How do you quantify that? Some campuses are harder than others. A person can be doing a really good job and reaching 75 and another person is doing a really good job and has 200 at events. Intentionality can be evaluated and quantified to some degree or other. What is their plan and how are they executing it?
Cost of Living for that Location: If a state wide entity hires College Ministers and has set salaries, that can work against those in a location that has higher than the statewide cost of living average. Several years ago, there was a town with a small four year college and housing was extra expensive there. The largest Baptist church gave the local College Minister, who was employed by a statewide ministry, a monthly housing allowance to make the position more on equal ground to other positions in the state.
Should a ONE TIME Bonus be given when a College Minister has an extra great year? Is this "too worldly"?
What do you think? What should be in the College Minister salary formula?
Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1. Plus Freshmen Tips, Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.
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