Pastors, church leaders encouraged to participate in 2026 biennial church compensation survey
By Roy Hayhurst/Guidestone
DALLAS – GuideStone, Lifeway Research and Baptist state conventions have again teamed up to conduct the SBC Church Compensation Survey, the largest free study focused on church pay and benefits in the United States.
Conducted every two years, the survey helps churches of all sizes understand current compensation practices and make informed decisions about salaries and benefits for pastors and church staff. The 2026 survey is now live and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete atGuideStone.org/CompensationSurvey.
The survey is open through July 15.
“The SBC Church Compensation Survey provides churches with an accurate, real-world picture of how similar churches are compensating their staff,” said GuideStone President Hance Dilbeck. “Faithful stewardship includes paying the right wage the right way, and this survey helps churches approach compensation intentionally, fairly and sustainably.”
Survey results will be released this fall, in time to assist most churches as they prepare 2027 budgets. Results are compiled and reported in aggregate; individual church or employee information is never disclosed.
“In many churches, compensation conversations can feel difficult or even awkward,” said Dan Gibson, executive director of SBC Relations at GuideStone. “Having trusted, data-driven benchmarks gives church leaders a common language and a shared starting point for those discussions.”
In addition to participating in the survey, GuideStone encourages churches to take advantage of its broader compensation-planning resources, available at GuideStone.org/compensationplanning.
“Compensation isn’t just about a salary number,” Dilbeck said. “We have tools, guidance and best practices to help churches think holistically about pay, benefits and long-term financial security for the people who serve them. The survey data works best when it’s paired with thoughtful planning.”
The survey is administered by Lifeway Research once it closes on July 15. Survey respondents will receive advance notice when results are available.
To complete the survey, respondents should have the following information readily available:
- Average weekly attendance and church membership
- Annual church budget
- Employee salaries and housing allowances
- Church contributions to retirement plans
- Church-paid insurance premiums
- Social Security offset, if applicable
- Rental value and utilities for church-provided housing, if applicable.
The Summit by GuideStone equips church leaders for sustainable ministry, organizational health
By Roy Hayhurst/GuideStone
Church administrators, executive pastors, ministry business officers and other operational leaders gathered in Dallas for The Summit, a two‑day conference hosted by GuideStone, designed to equip those who support the mission of the Church for long‑term ministry health and organizational sustainability.
Created for leaders who often serve behind the scenes, The Summit addressed practical challenges facing churches and ministry organizations, including leadership endurance, staffing and culture, regulatory complexity, and the stewardship of people.
“Our heart behind The Summit is simple,” GuideStone President Hance Dilbeck said. “We want to help equip church leaders to do their jobs well and to live out their callings faithfully, without losing sight of their own spiritual, emotional and relational health.”
A total of 206 individuals registered, representing 26 states. The largest number of attendees came from Texas, followed by Florida. Participants represented a wide range of ministry contexts, including churches, state conventions, foundations, higher education, mission‑sending organizations, family services organizations and schools.
Drawing from Paul’s second letter to Timothy, Dilbeck acknowledged a reality familiar to many ministry leaders—that discouragement often comes not only from circumstances, but from people.
He noted that while people will hurt leaders in ministry, they are also central to God’s work. Dilbeck reminded participants that “people will be your primary kingdom contribution,” urging leaders to embrace the responsibility of serving people faithfully, even amid disappointment.
Conference sessions explored how unsustainable pace and unclear expectations contribute to burnout, challenging leaders to rethink how time, energy and priorities are stewarded over the long term. Speakers emphasized that endurance in ministry requires intentional leadership rhythms, healthy organizational systems and clarity around roles and responsibilities.
Other sessions focused on the importance of organizational culture, encouraging leaders not to leave culture to chance but to define values, behaviors and expectations that help teams thrive. Presenters underscored that disengaged teams carry real costs—not only financially, but relationally and spiritually—and that the stewardship of people is sacred work for Christian leaders.
Leadership was also examined through the lens of Christ’s example, presenting compassion not as weakness but as a defining characteristic of trust‑building, long‑term influence in ministry.
The Summit also emphasized practical application. In addition to general sessions, the conference featured 18 breakout sessions and roundtable discussions focused on functional areas such as human resources, accounting, legal and regulatory issues, technology, and operational leadership. These smaller settings allowed participants to engage directly with subject‑matter experts and peers on day‑to‑day challenges facing churches and ministry organizations.
Throughout the conference, a consistent theme emerged: the health of churches is closely tied to the health of the leaders who support them.
“Our goal is to walk alongside those who serve the Church every day,” Dilbeck said. “When these leaders are equipped, encouraged and cared for, churches are better positioned to thrive for generations to come.”
The next Summit is scheduled for April 11–13, 2027. Additional information will be available atGuideStone.org/Summit2027.
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