Dear Siblings in Christ, 

The Commission on Ministry (COM) is holding each of you and your congregations in prayer as the days shorten, the Advent season draws near, and we move into a new calendar year. We want to remind you about a couple of changes that are taking place in the new year.

At the September 14, 2024 presbytery meeting new minimum terms of call were approved. For 2025 the minimum effective salary is $56,740 combined salary and allowance for housing and utilities OR $43,405 plus free use of the manse and payment of actual utilities by the church. This is a 2.71% increase from 2024 minimums.

The presbytery also approved to keep in place our policy requiring congregations to provide full healthcare coverage for the pastor and their family. If family coverage is needed by the installed pastor in 2025, the congregation shall cover the entire cost of the 2025 Transitional Pastor’s Participation (43% of effective salary). We know that will be a hardship for some congregations. There is a one-time $3,000 grant to help with the increased cost of the Board of Pensions medical coverage for families. You can find the grant application on the presbytery’s website and we encourage you to apply.

Honoraria recommendations are also changing in 2025. For those utilizing pulpit supply, the honoraria for a single service should be a minimum of $200 plus mileage and for two services a minimum of $250 plus mileage. Moderators of sessions and congregational meetings without installed pastors, stated supply pastors, designated pastors or interim pastors should be given an honorarium of $150 for each meeting moderated plus mileage.

Please know that the Commission on Ministry is here to support you in your ministry. If you have questions, concerns, or ways we can assist you please reach out to me or to your COM liaison.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Kristin Stroble

Moderator, PLM Commission on Ministry