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Interim pastors in the Sierra Pacific Synod are generally rostered in three categories:  Pastors under call by the synod to interim ministry, pastors on leave from call, or retired pastors. When a pastor is appointed as interim pastor, the Bishop will discuss with the Congregational Council the appropriate compensation for the interim pastor. However, the following guidelines may be helpful for planning purposes.

Pastor under call to Interim Ministry or Pastor On Leave from Call
The current compensation guidelines apply to these pastors just as a regularly called pastor, according to the year of service.  Thus if a pastor has served the church for 20 years, salary and housing allowance would be $63,800.  This compensation would then be adjusted according to the amount of time the Interim Pastor is expected to work, e.g. full time, half time, etc.

In addition to basic compensation, the congregation provides pension, medical/dental coverage, and other benefits through the Board of Pensions of the ELCA, again, just as a regularly called pastor.  An auto allowance also is provided.

Retired Pastor
For retired pastors, the median compensation guideline is used.  For 2007, the median years of service within the synod was15.0 years, therefore the compensation guideline is $59,100, adjusted for the expected work schedule.

Since retired pastors are already receiving retirement benefits, it is not necessary for congregations to pay into the ELCA pension plan.  However, congregations should provide reimbursement for the medical/dental premiums which the retired pastor is required to pay and an automobile reimbursement.