A full time pastor should be fairly compensated. My rule of thumb is that his salary should reflect that of the congregation. If he makes less than the average member he is looked down on as the hired help. If he makes more it may lead him to act snooty.
Making the same average amount allows him to move in the the same circles outside of the church as his sheep and live life with them.
*And yes I mean he, not her.
God gave me talents and abilities to earn a very comfortable living in the professional world. But He also ordained me to ministry. The world sees the Osteen’s ministries, the shinning Crystal Cathedral and the post war mega church that has emerged in that past 50 years. In reality 87% of protestant evangelical churches are with memberships of 125 or less.
Professionally trained in the secular world. And professionally trained in seminary with those have chosen ministry as vocation. There is no such animal as a part time minister.
The apostle Paul was a bivocational, as was Amos and many of theprohets. I have a freedom in the pulpit that few others have. The small church is very much alive and well and doing what it is commanded. I, as others like me free resources for ministry of the church.
Time? It is a scarce commodity, but in reality most people waste more time each week than what they work. My day starts at 5 am, and usually finishes at 8:30 unless emergency matters take me.
No .. I don't do things like Rotary meetings. I'm not often a guest speaker at civic groups ... but I do sit on 5 different boards or am a trustee at various community entities.
My time is governed in 15 minute segments, each day and everyday. Time is the only constant that all share equally in. Life is to live and share ... each minute has it's own accountability ... and I strive to fulfill each minute to tbe best of my god given abilities ... “Walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wisemen ...Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”
The tasks we are given by our Provider come with enough time to complete them to his honour and glory ... It is a way of ministry that I would never think twice about.