My reasoning for taking the extra pay is that you could give me 20 weeks of vacation. For most of us in Youth Ministry it is a matter of being able to be gone that long. Now I am not saying I am irreplaceable but we also know that the guy in charge can only be gone for so long. My church is generous with vacation (3 weeks right now and by next year I will have 4) but I am pressed to get it all in with my wife's time off, kids in school, stuff like that. Give me 5% more and I will have 5% better of three weeks of vacation.
I needed another option. I did choose another week. The church where I am on staff currently pay's well (SS, pension, housing, salary, expense account, professional development etc) and vacation is not an issue. In the Wesleyan Church I have served almost 15 years and I think my conference journal I am up to 4 weeks of vacation (2 Sundays), but I do not keep track, and the church/board does not choose our vacation time or even ask how much we have been gone. As a staff we make sure that not everyone is on vacation at the same time and the 2 Sundays/4 weeks in NEVER an issue. If you need to time off you take it.
My situation should be the norm, but I am afraid that I am in the minority.
Ten years ago I would have taken the raise. At this stage in my life, I would much rather have more time off for further education, rest, sharpening the axe, etc. The older I get, the more I'm realizing that less is more.
If you're pay is already meager, another %5 seems insignificant.
Much rather have a week away.
Joe G - 15 years ago
I'm actually not surprised with the results. Most youth pastors are underpaid a lot, and many have young families to care for. So, the extra %5 would be huge. Also, many of you may not be like me, but with a ministry schedule I feel like there can be more flexibility throughout your year that you get to take enough vacation or breaks when they're needed. I may technically get 2 or 3 weeks vacation every year, but when I come back from a weekend retreat after working the entire week before (which means I worked over 60 hours) I usually take a day or 2 off the next week without it needing to be "vacation time." Maybe that's just the flexibility of my church!
I am a bit concerned with the results.. we can make a million dollars a year and still not do effective ministry... if we havent rested.
I would much rather take an extra weeks vacation to enjoy with my family and/or just resting. This is a great way to get renewed but also a great teaching tool for your students and leaders.
But i am assuming the average youth worker doesnt get 3 to 5 weeks of vacation.
Thanks for letting me babble.
The extra money would certainly help. I already have a good amount of vacation (20 days) the most our church allows for any staff.
My reasoning for taking the extra pay is that you could give me 20 weeks of vacation. For most of us in Youth Ministry it is a matter of being able to be gone that long. Now I am not saying I am irreplaceable but we also know that the guy in charge can only be gone for so long. My church is generous with vacation (3 weeks right now and by next year I will have 4) but I am pressed to get it all in with my wife's time off, kids in school, stuff like that. Give me 5% more and I will have 5% better of three weeks of vacation.
I needed another option. I did choose another week. The church where I am on staff currently pay's well (SS, pension, housing, salary, expense account, professional development etc) and vacation is not an issue. In the Wesleyan Church I have served almost 15 years and I think my conference journal I am up to 4 weeks of vacation (2 Sundays), but I do not keep track, and the church/board does not choose our vacation time or even ask how much we have been gone. As a staff we make sure that not everyone is on vacation at the same time and the 2 Sundays/4 weeks in NEVER an issue. If you need to time off you take it.
My situation should be the norm, but I am afraid that I am in the minority.
Ten years ago I would have taken the raise. At this stage in my life, I would much rather have more time off for further education, rest, sharpening the axe, etc. The older I get, the more I'm realizing that less is more.
If you're pay is already meager, another %5 seems insignificant.
Much rather have a week away.
I'm actually not surprised with the results. Most youth pastors are underpaid a lot, and many have young families to care for. So, the extra %5 would be huge. Also, many of you may not be like me, but with a ministry schedule I feel like there can be more flexibility throughout your year that you get to take enough vacation or breaks when they're needed. I may technically get 2 or 3 weeks vacation every year, but when I come back from a weekend retreat after working the entire week before (which means I worked over 60 hours) I usually take a day or 2 off the next week without it needing to be "vacation time." Maybe that's just the flexibility of my church!
I am a bit concerned with the results.. we can make a million dollars a year and still not do effective ministry... if we havent rested.
I would much rather take an extra weeks vacation to enjoy with my family and/or just resting. This is a great way to get renewed but also a great teaching tool for your students and leaders.
But i am assuming the average youth worker doesnt get 3 to 5 weeks of vacation.
Thanks for letting me babble.