Employment & Pay

Whether you have just started your ministry journey, or you’re leading a flourishing church community, a skilled and engaged ministry team can support and lead the mission to share the love of God.

One of the most challenging areas for local churches is that of the role of employer.

When you employ ministry and other staff it’s important to understand and keep-up-to date with legal and regulatory responsibilities such as:

Fresh Hope Employment Guide for Ministers

The Fresh Hope Employment Guide for Ministers has been developed by our Mission and Ministry team with the support of our corporate human resources and payroll teams.

The Employment Guide is a framework to help our church leaders who need to employ ministers and other staff. In the Guide you will find information to help you in the areas below.

Recruitment guidelines

Advertising positions
Selection process
Employment checks – Police Check, Working with Children Check, Visa Check
Employment contract
Appointment of a minister – Ministry Employment Agreement

The Ministry Employment Agreement confirms a minister’s terms of employment. It’s the basis of the partnership between the minister and the church and should be kept under review.

The Fair Work Information Statement outlines an employee’s basic rights under the law. All employees must receive a copy of this statement when they start.

Read more about the National Employment Standards.

Conditions of employment

Code of Conduct
Leave and hours of work
Husband and wife ministries
Workers compensation and superannuation

State Insurance Regulatory Authority regulates workers compensation insurance in NSW.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has information for employers on employee leave entitlements and working hours.

Paying ministers and staff

Remuneration levels
Minister’s accommodation
Salary packaging
Exempt benefits & GST
Expenses

Remuneration levels for ministers are approved each year by the Fresh Hope Conference Executives and are available by contacting our Mission and Ministry or payroll teams.

Other church employees are employed under the relevant employment award which outlines the pay rates and conditions of employment.

Ministry review, evaluation and development

Endorsement
Mentoring and spiritual direction
Ongoing Professional Development
Review and evaluation

Ending employment

Ministers and staff may choose to leave your ministry for various reasons such as a call to another ministry position, other employment opportunities or possibly for health or personal reasons.

Your ministry may also find it necessary to terminate a minister or staff member.

As a church leader you need to be aware of the entitlements of the minister or staff member and the legal obligations of the church. See Fair Work – Ending Employment.

Keeping staff and church records

It is important that you maintain accurate records in relation to church employee files, payslips and payroll calculations. See Fair Work – Record-keeping.