Asking for a raise can be a stressful and scary thing to do. This is especially true in ministry and the church world. You may feel guilty asking for more money because you know that the church and ministry budgets are dependent on the congregation’s generosity and charitable giving. You may feel greedy because your dream was to be in ministry and you should be thankful for the salary you do have, working the job and position you love dearly, instead of asking for more.
However, asking for a raise is very normal and necessary in any job context. Your salary and compensation should grow with your career and ministry progress. As you gain more responsibilities, take on more projects, gain experience and add more value to the church or ministry, you need to remind yourself that asking for a raise is OK and merited.
All of that said, you should only be asking for a raise if you know without a doubt that you have worked really hard, been excellent at your position, exceeded expectations, and have a great reputation among co-workers and members in the congregation. With this in mind, here are 5 important tips on how to ask for a raise:
1. Know What You Want & Do Your Research
One of the worst things you can do is ask for a raise and not bring actual dollar amounts to the meeting. You need to know exactly what you want in terms of compensation and merit increase.
This is why it’s important that you do your research before asking for a raise:
- On average, what do churches pay for this specific role?
- What is the median income of the area you live in?
- How much of a compensation increase do you need to reach some of your financial goals?
- What is a reasonable dollar amount or percentage increase for the role that you’re in?
Once you’ve researched, write down the dollar increase you want. Include a maximum and a minimum dollar amount. It’s better to have a range than one specific number because it gives your boss, supervisor, or lead pastor a scope to work with. You want whoever you’re asking for a raise from to have a sense of control and choice.
You also want to make sure that your dollar amounts are within a reasonable range and on par with the industry standard. Asking far above the industry standard will decrease the chances of you getting a raise because it will be viewed as unreasonable. Know exactly what you want and make sure it’s backed by good research.
2. Demonstrate Your Accomplishments
This one might be uncomfortable for most ministry people because it can feel like bragging. However, asking for a raise without proving your worth will almost guarantee you hearing the dreadful word NO. You need to show your boss that what you are doing is adding a lot of value to the church and ministry.
Don’t just show up with a list of tasks you’ve accomplished. Show up to the meeting with real data. For example:
- “I increased the kids ministry volunteer team from 15 volunteers to 30 volunteers within the last 6 months,” or
- “I’ve grown the amount of small groups in the church from 45 small groups to 60 small groups within the last year”.
Use real numbers to show what you’ve done and the impact you’ve had.
Another thing you need to bring to the table is stories of life change. This would not be recommended in the corporate world, but it is incredibly valuable and essential in ministry. Talk about the individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by your ministry. Show your boss or supervisor that what you’re doing isn’t only adding numerical increase but actual life change and life impact.
Churches exist to see people grow in their relationship with Jesus. Talk about those people that have grown under your leadership. Coming to the meeting with numbers and stories will increase your chances of getting the raise you desire.
3. Show How You Will Continue to Add Value to the Church
When asking for a raise, you not only need to show your boss or supervisor what you’ve accomplished so far but show them how you will continue to add value to the church.
Raises typically come with some sort of promotion or added responsibilities. When asking for a raise, you are also communicating that you are ready to take on more responsibilities. Let them know that by giving you a raise, you will continue to elevate the staff, team, and ministry as a whole. Tell your boss that you are ready to take on that special project or that you want to be involved in other ministries to provide leadership and lift.
Let them know that you will continue to add value to the church and that you want to be around for the long haul to continue to make things better.
4. Schedule a Meeting with Your Boss Ahead of Time
The last thing you want to do is blindside or surprise your boss or supervisor with a conversation where you’re asking for a merit increase. Schedule the meeting ahead of time and let your boss know why you are meeting. Be clear that you want to talk about a possible raise.
This may seem counterintuitive, but giving your boss time to think about the conversation and what a raise would mean for him as he looks at the big picture is important. If you are in an organization or church with multiple layers, it’s possible that your boss or supervisor doesn’t have the authority to decide who gets a merit increase or the amount. They may need time to discuss this idea with the lead Pastor or board of directors. If you are meeting with the lead Pastor, they may need some time to talk to the board of directors or elders for approval.
Setting the meeting ahead of time and being crystal clear that you want to discuss a possible merit increase allows your boss to be prepared for that meeting. This is also a form of honor and respect regarding their position and role, which can go a long way.
5. Be Confident
As intimidating or uncomfortable as these meetings may be, you must confidently walk in. You will be prepared with the right information and clear on what you want. Don’t beat around the bush. Speak directly about what you want.
The mistake some people make when asking for a raise is that they become emotional. Fight the temptation to be emotional, regardless of the outcome. Be professional and polished as much as you are able to. It’s ok to be passionate because passion lets your boss know that you care deeply. Emotions might communicate manipulation, whereas passion will communicate inspiration. Walk into that meeting confident in yourself.
Bonus Tip
The last piece of advice I want to leave you with is to encourage you to avoid giving personal reasons for a raise. Don’t discuss your challenging financial situation, inflation, or personal goals. This will take the focus off the value you bring and will continue to bring to the church and ministry. Keep the main thing the main thing.
With that being said, a financial increase isn’t the only thing you can negotiate. If the church or ministry isn’t in a position where they can afford to give you more money, you can always ask for more PTO or vacation time. Another thing you can negotiate is bonuses or benefits.
Keep these things in mind as you look to ask for a raise. In the meantime, you can meditate on these 5 scriptures and pray over your workplace!
