this post was submitted on 06 Mar 2026
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[–] HeyThisIsntTheYMCA@lemmy.world 1 points 12 hours ago* (last edited 12 hours ago)

you're mostly referring to the osteens and the copelands. the ones worth millions/billions. a tiny, tiny minority of clergy. the vast majority of pastors/priests are making ~~30k-60kUSD/yr. $15-30/hr. I'm willing to bet you make more. Specific comparison: This is in the California Bay Area and these are poverty wages, I was an accountant with a small nonprofit part of my practice. Those numbers are not unusual. Tithes and offerings go to the church (tithes and offerings are 100% NP source income to the church, largest expenses are overhead and payroll and neither of those offset NP Income) and the pastors are paid by a board of directors/elders (whatever the church decides to call it) running the church. Reputable churches publish audited financial statements every year and one of the biggest line items is how much they are paying the pastor.

Most churches don't make money. Source: 20 years of practice.