LCMS Discloses Salaries of Elected Officers in November 2024 Notice

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has published an official notice on the salaries of its elected officers, as part of what it describes as a policy of full financial disclosure. According to the notice, that policy makes the salaries available to Synod members, including congregations, pastors, teachers and others on the roster [Bylaw 1.5.4(b)]. The reported salaries are current as of the date of publication.

The notice describes the benefits that accompany those salaries. Officers and staff are responsible for their own housing. In addition to salary, the Synod pays 100% of the Concordia Plans premium for the employee. It also provides a housing differential equal to 5% of salary for lay employees in classes SM–9, and the president receives an allowance for additional expenses.

The Board of Directors (BOD) states its compensation philosophy as follows: “In striving to be good stewards of the dollars entrusted to us, we shall pay fair salaries in a fashion that rewards performance and enables our attracting, motivating and retaining high-quality employees.” The notice says “fair” is defined by three factors: the employee’s role within the corporate Synod; an effort to offer pay at or within 10% of the market value of the job, using not-for-profit standards; and the incumbent’s performance in the position. Honest dealing with funds entrusted to the Synod is part of this framing (Proverbs 11:1).

The notice says the LCMS Department of Human Resources conducts an annual bench market analysis to keep salaries aligned with nonprofit market value, and that additional research on officer-level positions supports the BOD’s philosophy. Under BOD Policy Manual Section 4.14.2.2(e)(2), the board approves officer salaries. At its May 2024 meeting, the BOD approved a 3% salary pool for employees, including officers.

Under 1989 Res. 4-07A, further information is available to congregations, pastors and rostered teachers by written request. That information includes salary grid scales for all Synod and district officials, staff and faculty members. Requests are directed to Nathan Thomas, executive director, Human Resources, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122-7295.

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