The Synod’s policy of full financial disclosure provides for making available to members of the Synod (congregations, pastors, teachers and others on the roster) the salaries of elected officers of the Synod (Bylaw 1.5.4(b)).
The reported salaries are as of the date of publication. Officers and staff are responsible for providing their own housing. In addition to salaries, the Synod pays 100% of the Concordia Plans premium for the employee and provides a housing differential equal to 5% of salary for lay employees in classes SM–9. The Synod president receives an allowance for additional expenses.
The LCMS Board of Directors’ (BOD) compensation philosophy is simple: In striving to be good stewards of the dollars entrusted to us, we shall pay fair salaries in a fashion that rewards performance and enables our attracting, motivating and retaining high-quality employees.
The term “fair” shall be interpreted as fair pay based on (1) the employee’s role within corporate Synod, (2) our striving to offer compensation at or within 10% of the market value of the job held (using not-for-profit standards to define the market value), and (3) the incumbent’s performance in the position.
To ensure that salaries are aligned with the nonprofit market value, the LCMS Department of Human Resources conducts an annual benchmarket analysis. Additional research on the officer-level positions affirms the BOD’s compensation philosophy to pay fair salaries.
In accordance with BOD Policy Manual Section 4.14.2.2(e)(2), the BOD approves the salaries of the Synod’s officers. During its May 2026 meeting, the BOD approved a 3% salary pool for employees, including the officers.
| Base Salaries at Point of Publication | |
| Position | Actual |
| President | $307,441 |
| First Vice-President | $228,249 |
| Secretary | $228,249 |
| Chief Mission Officer | $236,900 |
| Chief Operating Officer | Vacant |
In accordance with 1989 Res.4-07A, additional information — including salary grid scales of all Synod and district officials, staff and faculty members — is available to congregations, pastors and rostered teachers by written request to Nathan Thomas, Executive Director of Human Resources, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122-7295.
Posted Oct. 19, 2026
