Assistant Pastor Agreement

 1. This agreement sets forth the terms by which the __________________ Church , ________________, (City, State), and Reverend ____________________, the current pastor, shall offer the position of Assistant Pastor to Reverend __________________________________, of ___________________. This agreement is subject to the bylaws of the church and shall be binding upon the approval of the board of trustees and a majority vote of the congregation in a duly called business meeting of the church.

2. The assistant pastor shall work in full cooperation with and at the direction of the pastor of the church. Among his duties, he shall preach and teach on a regular basis in the church, visit the sick, shut-ins and prospective members, organize and conduct ministries at the request of the pastor, and fulfill all other obligations as seen fit by the pastor.

3. It is understood that the assistant pastor, by accepting this position, enters into a probationary period in which he is to be considered for the position of pastor. His performance is therefore subject to formal and informal evaluation by the pastor and the church. Should the pastor and/or the church determine that the probationary period should end before a pastoral election, and shall terminate the employment of the assistant pastor, they shall reimburse him for his actual relocation expenses, any losses due to lease and deposit forfeitures, and grant him severance pay equal to ___________ months salary.

4. It is understood and agreed by all parties to this agreement that the assistant pastor, if he has completed a successful probationary period, shall be given first consideration to become the duly elected pastor of the church at an election in accordance with the church bylaws. No other name shall be placed in nomination at this election. This election is to be held on (Date) ____________________.

5. Prior to the election of a new pastor, the church and the current pastor shall establish a retirement agreement which sets forth the terms of retirement, the type and amount of a pension, the type of continuing relationship with the congregation and all other pertinent details.

6. It is understood that the financial remuneration given to the assistant pastor is contingent upon the ability of the church to pay. Based upon the present average income of the church, the assistant pastor shall be given a salary consideration of $__________ per month, payable on the ________ day of every month. In the event that these funds are periodically unavailable, the church shall repay the assistant pastor whenever the funds become available. After _______ months, the assistant pastor shall receive a salary increase of $____________ .

7. Based upon the ability of the church to pay, the assistant pastor shall be provided with health insurance, a retirement program, and reimbursement for district and national conferences as held by the UPCI, and any other benefits which shall directly affect his professional duties.

8. The church shall provide $_________ to assist with the assistant pastor’s relocation expenses.

9. No provision of this agreement may be changed without the consent of the pastor, the board of trustees, and the majority of the congregation. The permission from the majority of the congregation must be expressed by vote at a duly called business meeting of the church.

Signed: (Pastor) ________________________________________Date __________

Signed:(Assistant Pastor)________________________________ Date__________

Witness:________________________________________________Date__________

Witness:________________________________________________Date__________

(This form is intended to be a sample agreement.  You should consult an attorney before using this or any other contract form. JMJ)