Cost of Living Updates - Minimum Compensation Guidelines for 2027
In the East Central Synod of Wisconsin, the Minimum Compensation Guidelines document is annually reviewed and adopted by our Synod Assembly. The guidelines in this document provide support for congregations to annually review the compensation packages of rostered ministers (pastors or deacons) or to budget for future rostered minister salaries.
For the last several synod assemblies, we have voted to adopt Minimum Compensation Guidelines with an increase for Cost of Living for rostered ministers based on the Social Security Administration's Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) recommendation released annually each fall. In June 2026, the Synod Assembly voted to adopt the 2027 Minimum Compensation Guidelines as presented. At the time they were adopted, the guidelines did not make a specific percentage recommendation. Instead, they recommended an increase for rostered ministers that aligns with the Social Security Administration annual Cost of Living Adjustment - so long as the recommended COLA was above 2% and below 5%.
The recommended increase for social security general benefits is based on how much the cost of living over the past year has increased as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Aligning our recommended percentage increase with the SSA means for 2027 that base compensation levels for our rostered ministers will be adjusted according to the same percentage of social security benefits. On October 15th, the Social Security Administration recommended a 3.6% increase beginning January 2027. You can learn more about this adjustment by visiting this link.
Because the 2027 Minimum Compensation Guidelines were approved by the Synod Assembly prior to the release of the annual COLA percentage recommendation by the SSA, we shared that an updated version of the guidelines and specifically, the compensation chart would be released this fall. You can find the Addendum for 2027 and the Compensation Chart that is based off of years of experience and integrates the recommended 3.6% increase on pages 32-34 of the 2027 Minimum Compensation Guidelines. All of the annual recommended changes are highlighted in yellow. Our synod’s online salary and benefit calculator is also updated to reflect the 2027 increase. You can find the calculator by visiting https://www.ecsw.org/minimum-compensation-guidelines.
While these guidelines are recommendations regarding compensation for rostered ministers, Bishop Anne has offered the following reflection: “Ministry thrives in healthy relationships. An essential component to a healthy working relationship between a rostered minister and congregation is an appropriate compensation package. To this end, our Minimum Compensation Guidelines outlines the standard cost of rostered ministry for congregations.”
We hope this shared work can help relationships between congregations and leaders thrive so we can continue to share the gospel of Jesus together with curiosity and courage. Any questions may be directed to ecsw@ecsw.org or 920.734.5381.
