2016 Wesleyan Discipline:Support of ministers

286. It is obligatory upon ministers of the gospel to be faithful in the discharge of their pastoral and ministerial duties, and it is also obligatory upon the members to esteem ministers highly for their works’ sake, and to render them a righteous compensation for their labors. 723. Annual Review of Pastoral Support. The pastor’s cash salary and other benefits, including health insurance and employer contributions for the Wesleyan Pension Fund (WPF), shall be reviewed annually by the local board of administration prior to the annual session of the local church conference, whether or not a vote is being taken on the securing or retaining of a pastor. Proper health insurance coverage should be provided by the local church for pastor and family except in cases in which they have adequate coverage through other employment of pastor and/or spouse, or in the case of pastors serving in Canada, through the national health program. Full participation in the Wesleyan Pension Fund by the local church on behalf of all pastors is expected in the plan of support of all pastors. The obligation, responsibility, and liability for both health insurance premiums and employer contributions to WPF belong solely to the local church. The district and General Church have no obligation, responsibility, nor liability for these matters, either expressed or implied. A report of the final action on the pastor’s support, whether by the local board of administration or by the local church conference, shall be sent by the local board of administration in writing to both the pastor (or pastor-elect, cf. 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:692:5) and the district superintendent (cf. 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:746). 782

(16) To review annually the pastor’s support and related matters (2016 Wesleyan Discipline:723; 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:724).