Dues scenario: Meet Pastor Aubrey
Installed pastor at a small congregation with a family
Pastor Aubrey is the only installed pastor at a small congregation, has an effective salary of $58,000, and is currently enrolled in Pastor’s Participation. Aubrey’s spouse, Cameron, has a part-time job at a local department store and is not offered benefits by their employer. Aubrey and Cameron are parents to two children — Drew, who is in ninth grade, and Riley, who is in fifth grade.
For 2025, Pastor Aubrey is eligible for the Congregational Pastors Package and Transitional Pastor’s Participation. What questions should the congregation consider when deciding between these two dues packages?
- Which of these dues packages would better meet the needs of the congregation and Pastor Aubrey?
- What is the cost of each package?
- If the Congregational Pastors Package is offered, will medical coverage for Cameron, Drew, and Riley be provided, and will the congregation cover some or all of the cost?
The following steps will help Pastor Aubrey’s congregation decide which dues package to offer. Use this chart in steps 2 and 3 to determine costs.
| Congregational Pastors Package | Transitional Pastor's Participation | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Member-only | 16% of effective salary | Family coverage | 33% of effective salary |
+ Children | $8,950 | ||
+ Spouse | $11,000 | ||
+ Family | $20,600 | ||
Calculate the current amount the congregation is paying for Pastor’s Participation for Pastor Aubrey, including full-family medical coverage and income protection benefits:
Pastor’s Participation family medical
Effective salary of $58,000
x 0.29 (2024 medical rate)
= $16,820 (2024 medical dues)
Pastor’s Participation income protection
Effective salary of $58,000
x 0.10 (2024 income protection rate)
= $5,800 (2024 income protection dues)
Pastor’s Participation family medical and income protection
Add $16,820 (2024 medical dues)
+ $5,800 (2024 income protection dues)
= $22,620 (total benefits cost to the congregation)
Calculate 2025 dues for the Congregational Pastors Package for Pastor Aubrey’s Member-only medical coverage and for family medical coverage for Cameron, Drew, and Riley:
2025 Congregational Pastors Package dues
Member-only medical
Effective Salary of $58,000
x 0.16 (Member-only medical rate)
= $9,280 (Member-only medical dues)
Member + Family medical
Effective salary of $58,000
x 0.16 (Member-only medical rate)
= $9,280 (Member-only medical dues)
+ $20,600 (Family medical dues)
= $29,880 (Member + Family medical dues)
Income protection
Effective salary of $58,000
x 0.10 (income protection rate)
= $5,800 (income protection dues)
Member-only medical and income protection
Add $9,280 (Member + Family medical dues)
+ $5,800 (income protection dues)
= $15,080 (total cost to the congregation)
Member + Family medical and income protection
Add $29,880 (Member + Family medical dues)
+ $5,800 (income protection dues)
= $35,680 (total cost)
Calculate 2025 dues for Transitional Pastor’s Participation:
2025 Transitional Pastor's Participation package dues
Member + Family medical
Effective salary of $58,000
x 0.33 (family medical rate)
= $19,140 (family medical dues)
Income protection
Effective salary of $58,000
x 0.10 (income protection rate)
= $5,800 (income protection dues)
Member + Family medical and income protection
Add $19,140 (2025 medical dues)
+ $5,800 (2025 income protection dues)
= $24,940 (total cost to the congregation)
Compare 2025 dues for the Congregational Pastors Package, plus dependent coverage, and Transitional Pastor’s Participation:
- Congregational Pastors Package, plus dependent coverage = $35,680
- Transitional Pastor’s Participation = $24,940
The congregation may need to consider whether medical coverage is available for the spouse and children elsewhere. If coverage is available, providing Member-only medical coverage through the Congregational Pastors Package may be the better option.
The congregation can also consider whether to pay for all of the cost of dependent coverage or share in the cost with Pastor Aubrey.
Congregations and ministers can use the 2025 Decision Guide for Minister Benefits to calculate and compare 2025 eligibility and costs for Congregational Pastors Package, Transitional Pastor’s Participation, and the Covenant Package.
Pastor Aubrey and her congregational leaders should engage in a conversation about the options available to them. The Church Consultant for the region can assist this congregation in faithful decision-making. Pastor Aubrey can also call 800-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752) (TTY: 711) to speak with a Board of Pensions representative specially trained in this information and decision-making.
If dependent medical coverage is not available elsewhere, Transitional Pastor’s Participation may be the option for Pastor Aubrey and the family for 2025. Keep in mind that the dues for Transitional Pastor’s Participation will increase for 2026 and 2027, and this package will sunset Dec. 31, 2027.