Commission on Ministry Resources & Forms

PASTORAL COMPENSATION

2027 Minimum Terms of Call

The Minimum Terms of Call is updated each year.

As reported to the September 1, 2026 meeting of Heartland Presbytery, the Commission on Ministry set the 2027 minimum terms of call to increase at approximately the same amount of the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment. Therefore, Heartland Presbytery's minimum terms of call for all pastoral positions will be as follows, effective January 1, 2027. All installed pastors' terms of call, as well as all contracted pastoral positions approved to begin after that date, must meet these minimum requirements:

Approved by Heartland Presbytery on the recommendation of Commission on Ministry, on September 1, 2026. Salary figures may be scaled proportionally for part-time positions. Continuing education allowance, vacation and study leave apply at the same levels regardless of whether the position is part-time or full-time.

2027 Minimum Terms of Call for Ministers of Word and Sacrament

Minimum Effective Salary (on full-time basis)—$56,600

  • 2027 Pastoral Plan PC(USA) Pension and Medical Dues - Approved by Heartland Presbytery on the recommendation of Commission on Ministry, June 7, 2025.

    The Board of Pensions portion of the Minimum Terms of Call for 2027 have been set along the following guidelines:

    If the effective salary is $56,600 39% = $22,074 29.75% covers ALL dues for Pastor 9.25% or $5,235.50 will be used to offset dependent coverage If pastor has a spouse and children the amount for coverage is $19,752 Then, deduct $5,235.50 from $19,752 leaving $14,516.50 which pastor and congregation will split equally.

  • Continuing Education Allowance—$1000 (cumulative to $3,000)

  • Vacation—Four Weeks (including four Sundays)

  • Study Leave—Two Weeks (including two Sundays)

  • Policy for Health and Parental Needs

  • Sabbatical Leave Policy

2027 Minimum Terms of Call for Commissioned ruling elders/Commissioned pastors

  • Effective salary at least 85% of Minimum Effective Salary for Ministers of Word and Sacrament

  • Enrollment in the Board of Pensions if no other insurance is available

  • All other minimum terms of call are the same as that of a Minister of Word and Sacrament

2026 Minimum terms of call

  • Minimum Effective Salary (on full-time basis)—$54, 534

  • 2026 Pastoral Plan PC(USA) Pension and Medical Dues - Approved by Heartland Presbytery on the recommendation of Commission on Ministry, June 7, 2025.

    The Board of Pensions portion of the Minimum Terms of Call for 2026 have been set along the following guidelines:

    If the effective salary is $55,000 39% = $21,450 26% covers dues for Pastor 13% or $7,150 will be used to offset dependent coverage If pastor has a spouse and children the amount for coverage is $20,600 Then, deduct $7,150 from $20,600 leaving $13,450 which pastor and congregation will split equally.

  • Continuing Education Allowance—$1000 (cumulative to $3,000)

  • Vacation—Four Weeks (including four Sundays)

  • Study Leave—Two Weeks (including two Sundays)

  • Policy for Health and Parental Needs

  • Sabbatical Leave Policy

Congregations are reminded that these figures are minimums, and do not fully reflect the value of competent, faithful pastoral leadership. Whenever possible, congregations should seek to offer greater compensation than the minimum, commensurate with the pastor's responsibilities and experience

Pastoral Coverage Compensation

Pulpit supply $150

Moderating Meeting ( Session or Congregation) $75

Please contact COM Moderator, Rev. Krista Kiger or Presbyter for Vision and Leadership, Rev. Dale Jackson (pvl@heartlandpby.org) with any questions.