Q1.1 How should a church determine a pastor’s salary?

A. Churches are encouraged to consider biblical principles such as “the worker deserves his wages” (1 Tim. 5:17–18) and being “free from worldly anxiety” (1 Cor. 9:14). Many churches use the Teachers’ Pay Scale in England and Wales as a benchmark.

This may be considered as a fair, professional benchmark for someone with a degree and significant responsibility:

• M2: £32,433
• M3: £35,039
• M4: £37,739
• M5: £40,710
• M6: £44,802
• Upper Pay Range (U1–U3): £46,446 – £49,944

For details, visit: NASUWT Pay Scales

Factors such as local housing costs, whether a manse is provided, church size, financial ability, family needs, and ministry experience can also influence the stipend.

Q1.2 Are there alternative guidelines for ministerial pay?

A. Yes. Churches may refer to the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) Stipend Guidelines. For 2025, the standard stipend is £29,575, rising to £30,405 in 2026. An additional manse value of £7,741 is factored in for pension purposes.

More info: BUGB Financial Guidance

Q1.3 Where can I find broader data on church salaries?

A. The UK Church Administrator Network (UCAN) provides detailed benchmarking data.

See: UCAN 2023 Survey

Q2.1 Do ministers need to complete a Self-Assessment tax return?

A. Usually, yes—especially if there is additional income beyond the stipend.
See: HMRC Self-Assessment Overview

Q2.2 Where can I find help for filing online?

A. HMRC offers guidance and assistance:

• Get Help with Tax Returns
• HMRC Guide for Ministers (SA102M)

Q2.3 Is there software available for ministers?

A. Yes. GoSimpleTax is an affordable option tailored to self-employed individuals and includes features for ministers.

Q3.1 When is a church required to enrol a minister into a workplace pension?
A. If the minister is:

• aged 22 to State Pension age
• earning over £10,000 per year
• working in the UK

Then the church must enrol them into a qualifying scheme. Current minimum contributions are 3% employer + 5% employee.

More info:

• Gov.uk Workplace Pensions
• The Pensions Regulator

Q4.1 Can churches reimburse ministers for mileage?
A. Yes, using HMRC’s Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAP):

• 45p per mile (first 10,000 miles)
• 25p per mile (thereafter)

Records must include date, locations, journey purpose, and mileage.

More info: HMRC Advisory Fuel Rates

Q5.1 Do churches need to register with the Charity Commission?
A.

• Linked to a recognised denomination and income under £100,000: No need to register (but note that “excepted” status ends 31 March 2031, therefore churches not registered should do so)
• Independent and income over £5,000: Registration is required.

Q6.1 What are the benefits of becoming a CIO?
A. A CIO gives the church legal personality, allowing it to own property, enter contracts, and bear liabilities directly. This limits personal risk for trustees.

Q6.2 What are the downsides?
A. Conversion is time-consuming and costly. It often involves legal fees and administrative complexity, especially in transferring property.

More info: FIEC CIO Guidance

Q7.1 Should church property be registered?

A. Yes. Even if the land hasn’t changed ownership in centuries, voluntary registration with HM Land Registry clarifies ownership and is highly recommended.

Q8.1 Is a safeguarding policy required?

A. Yes. It is a legal, moral, and spiritual obligation (Prov. 31:8–9; Matt. 18:6; James 1:27). Every church must implement a safeguarding policy that covers both children and vulnerable adults.

Resources:

• Christian Safeguarding Services
• Baptist Union Safeguarding

AECW has a shared safeguarding policy template for joint church events.

Q9.1 Do churches need to comply with UK GDPR?

A. Yes. Since May 2018 (retained after Brexit), churches must lawfully collect, store, and process personal data such as names, emails, addresses, and more.

Churches must:

• Have a GDPR policy
• Clearly communicate data use
• Collect only necessary data
• Keep data secure
• Allow people to access and correct their data

Resources:

• Baptist Union Data Protection

Q10.1 What licences are required for streaming church services with music?

A. Two main licences are needed:

1. Church Streaming Licence (CSL) – CCLI
2. Limited Online Music Licence (LOML) – PRS

Together, these cover music use, lyrics display, and copyright compliance during live or recorded services.

Additionally, hymns from the EMW Aber Conference are available for use: EMW Aber Hymns