How does a clergyman finance a church and make a living?

February 4th, 2010 | by admin |
Sunny McBubbles asked:


Let’s say that I get a bachelors in religion and a masters in divinity and pay for my schooling with student loans. How would I pay off my loans, finance a church, and support myself?

  1. 4 Responses to “How does a clergyman finance a church and make a living?”

  2. By Tammy on Feb 7, 2010 | Reply

    I don’t know. The church I was going to was small and the preacher had a regular full time job and preached. It would probably depend on how many offerings you get and fundraisers/special events you hold to get more donations.

  3. By B on Feb 10, 2010 | Reply

    That’s what the donations are for.

    I imagine you would pass around the basket every sunday or saturday and if you attract a large enough audience you’d be able to make a pretty penny

  4. By auntb93 on Feb 13, 2010 | Reply

    Very few preachers start a church on their own. They spend some time learning the practical details while working in an established church.

    As to how they make a living, did you imagine that what comes in by way of the Sunday collection plate is all they get? The larger donations come from people who are solicited personally, people who can donate thousands, perhaps even millions, in a single check. Those large donations are then invested in real estate and other assets, against which the church can borrow as necessary.

    And those are just the relatively honest ones.

  5. By David H on Feb 13, 2010 | Reply

    Start simple and keep a fulltime job. Start out with meetings in a home. Don’t spend money you don’t have, and don’t squeeze the congregation more than they can stand. If you are the right one for the job, your church will grow and opportunities for expanding will increase.

    Personally, I think this is a terrific way for a new clergyman to start out. It separates the weenies and wannabees from the real man/woman of God.

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