Stipend set for 2024 

The increase in standard stipend for 2024 has been set at £28,600, which is 7.92 per cent above the 2023 figure of £26,500

The figure was decided by the Finance and Audit Committee and reported to Baptist Union Trustees on 27 April.

There were a number of considerations, John Levick, treasurer of the Baptist Union, explains:

'Setting an appropriate increase in stipend for next year has been particularly difficult because of the high rate of inflation alongside pay increases across the economy being well below inflation.

'The rate has been set at a level which recognises the need to support our ministers but also that most people in our churches are seeing their pay or pensions increase by well below the rate of inflation.

'While the state pension has increased in line with inflation, many other pensions have increases capped at 5 per cent. The increase has been set at an average between the rate of growth of inflation and the rate of average wage growth.

'As in previous years we have also taken account of increases in stipend across other denominations, although different structures don’t allow direct comparisons.

'In setting this rate it is recognised that this will be a challenge for some churches and could make it difficult for paid ministry to continue in some situations.

'To maintain the current levels of support to churches Home Mission giving needs to increase by similar rates.'

John added that the standard stipend is the minimum we expect to be paid to a full-time minister with part time ministers to be paid a percentage related to the time stated in their terms of settlement.

'We are aware a considerable number of churches pay above the standard stipend often at a percentage above the standard,' John said. 'These higher rates are for churches to determine for themselves.'