Official notice: LCMS salary information (Nov. 2021)

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), on written request, the salary grid scales of all Synod and district officials, staff and faculty members of the Concordia University System, and International Center staff.

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 Plan Services premium for the employee and provides a housing differential equal to 5% of salary for lay employees in classes SM—9. The president receives an allowance for additional expenses.

The LCMS Board of Directors’ 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 percent 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 bench market analysis. Additional research on the officer-level positions affirms the Board of Directors’ compensation philosophy to pay fair salaries.

In accordance with Board of Directors Policy Manual Section 5.6.6.6, the Board approves the salaries of the Synod’s officers. During its May 2021 meeting, the Board approved a 3% salary pool for employees, including the officers.

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 South Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122-7295.

Base Salaries at
Point of Publication

Position

Actual

President

$267,955

First Vice-President

$198,933

Secretary

$198,933

Chief Administrative Officer

$198,933

Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer

Vacant

Chief Mission Officer

$198,933

Posted Oct. 27, 2021