Policy on Parsonages and Cash Housing Allowance
Te parsonage system is central to our system of itinerancy. Te itinerancy system is central to our understanding of pastoral ministry in the United Methodist Church for full-time ordained elders. “Te itinerant system is the accepted method of Te United Methodist Church by which ordained elders are appointed by the bishop to fields of labor. All ordained elders shall accept and abide by these appointments.” (¶338, Te Book of Discipline 2004) Te parsonage system works to provide congregations and pastors with a greater flexibility in the appointment of pastors to suit the needs for pastoral leadership in particular places at particular times.
Te housing norm for all clergy who are serving in a full-time appointment in the Missouri Annual Conference is a parsonage that fits the Standards for Church- Provided Residences. Failure of a charge to provide a parsonage that meets the Standards will be the basis for consideration for providing alternative housing or a housing allowance for the clergy appointed. If a pastor declines to live in a parsonage that meets the Standards, the church is under no obligation to provide alternative housing or housing allowance.
If a housing allowance is provided in lieu of a parsonage, these guidelines are to be followed:
1. Negotiations to establish a housing allowance in a charge will include: a. Te pastor b. Te pastor/staff-parish relations committee chairperson c. Te committee on finance chairperson d. Te trustees chairperson e. Te district superintendent
Te purpose of these negotiations is to develop a clear understanding by all parties as to the arrangements mutually acceptable. Final arrangements must have the approval of the church/charge conference, the district superintendent and the district church location and building committee.
2. A housing allowance should be based on the rental value of an average home
in the parish setting that meets the Conference Parsonage Standards. Te actual cost of utilities is to be paid by the church.
3. If the pastor chooses to live outside the community(ies) served, s/he must
receive consent of the committee on pastor-parish relations and the district superintendent.
4. Te charge conference shall annually approve the housing allowance and
shall not have the authority to reduce the allowance without re-negotiation and approval as set out in item 1 above. Upward adjustments in the housing allowance would be part of an annual process of review and recommendation initiated by the staff/pastor-parish relations committee.
2010 Missouri Conference Journal F-37
Rules & Policies
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