Financial Well-Being of Pastors Initiative
The results of VUSA’s 2022 Compensation Survey were clear: financial health is one of the most pressing needs of Vineyard pastors and churches. This initiative, made possible by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, helps pastors/spouses, church boards, and local congregations build sustainable financial systems and habits.
In the first two cohorts, more than 50 pastors/spouses have said yes to VUSA’s financial well-being program. A third cohort of up to 40 pastors/spouses will launch in February, 2025.
2022 Church Compensation Survey
In 2022 VUSA conducted research in partnership with ChurchSalary regarding church and pastoral financial health through an extensive survey touching on pastor compensation, stress levels around financial topics, financial needs, and personal finance habits of senior pastors.
Notable research findings included:
- Senior pastor compensation trends
- Financial stressors on pastors including challenges with retirement planning, debt, and budgeting
- Congregational demographics and corresponding giving practices compared to trends of other groups
- Trends around bi-vocational, part-time, rural, Las Viñas pastors and under-represented populations
Program Highlights
We empower financially healthy pastors, boards, and congregations through a 24-month financial education/training, mentoring and coaching program, believing that systemic change requires involvement at all of these levels.
For senior/lead pastors (and spouses where applicable), this includes:
- Financial education on 18 topics related to personal and church finances
- Mentor-directed cohorts in smaller groups of 5-7 pastors/spouses for guided discussion and sharing
- Personal finance coaching for each pastor/spouse on a regular basis
- Eligibility to receive up to $5,000 in matching funds from the Financial Well-Being of Pastors Fund distributed over two years, with portions eligible to go toward personal debt and retirement savings
For church boards, the program includes multiple sessions to develop skills, structures, and rhythms for healthy church finances including best practices, church financial accountability, engaging pastors in communication about financial topics, and more. The program also promotes development of a multi-week sermon series on generosity and stewardship.
Get Involved
Criteria for inclusion include:
- Senior/solo pastors and those who anticipate being a senior/solo pastor in the next 2 to 3 years are eligible to apply
- Church is in good standing with VUSA (giving 3%) and with its region as demonstrated by participating in regional activities
- Preference will be given to churches which do not currently match pastor retirement contributions at 3% or more and churches which do not currently offer a retirement savings plan benefit
- Church board is willing to participate in multiple education/training sessions over the two-year program
- If married, a pastor’s spouse is willing to participate in the education/training, and mentoring and coaching sessions pertaining to personal finances
Our third cohort (up to 40 pastors/spouses) will start February 1, 2025. If you are interested in learning more about Cohort 3, get in touch! Leave us a message through the “stay connected” button below or contact your Regional and/or Association leader.
Q&A with Brian Dinges
Program Manager of the Financial Well-Being of Pastors Initiative, part of VUSA Pastoral Health & Development
What are you most excited about in this new chapter?
The opportunity to plant seeds that have the potential to change financial lives for generations. I know that sounds dramatic, but I’ve seen it happen time and time again. I’m excited to walk with pastors and their churches on their respective money journeys. Focus, determination and discipline make a big difference when it comes to managing money.
How do you envision this role serving the local church and local pastors?
The program is designed to engage pastors, boards and congregations. One thing we must do is get more comfortable talking and teaching about money. We won’t grow in areas we’re unable to talk about. Our society is woefully un/undereducated about how money works. We need to change the dynamic across VUSA. The same principles that apply to personal finance apply to church finances so there are roles and shared responsibilities for boards and congregations too. Let’s be brave and lean toward financial health believing that God has plans for you…”plans to give you hope and a future.”
What has prepared you most for this role?
Two things: 40 years spent raising and launching four kids alongside my wife; and 15 years of training and coaching people regarding money. My wife and I have largely “been there and done that” when it comes to personal finances. We’ve done some things well and other things not so well, but we learned a lot along the way. I now combine my own experience with what I learn from others to help whoever cares to listen and learn. My goal is to bring some hope to every conversation.
