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We\u2019re in the midst of what could be a significant transition for American pastoral salaries. A lawsuit challenging the longstanding clergy housing allowance is in the court of appeals. Last year\u2019s tax reform bill made significant changes to the standard deduction, which could have dramatic effects for the level of giving churches have historically relied upon. As CT Pastors recently reported, \u201cstaffing costs typically account for 45 to 55 percent of a church\u2019s budget. But with recent changes in costs, demographics, and giving in US churches, many are questioning that model.\u201d Beyond these larger changes, churches, whether part of denominations or nondenominational, have long struggled with knowing how to fairly compensate pastors and other employees, says Brian Kluth, who currently leads the National Association of Evangelical\u2019s Financial Health initiative, which seeks to improve the financial health of pastors and church. \u201cThere are real critical pay issues for people in church and really at all levels and all genders,\u201d said Kluth. Kluth joined digital media producer Morgan Lee and editor in chief Mark Galli to discuss the inconsistent ways pastors are compensated, how American Christian giving (or lackthereof) affects this conversation, and the perks and breaks pastors receive and how they should be considered when determining salary.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices