Our aim in answering these Stewardship FAQs was not only to teach what the Bible says on the subject, but also to do so because Mars Hill Church strives to be upfront with our financial policies so we can do what is true, honorable, and just (Phil. 4:8). Like last Saturday’s post, these are common questions we receive related to Mars Hill specifically.
‘How is spending at Mars Hill determined?’
We determine our spending based on the number of people at each of our 14 churches, not the affluence of each church. Staffing is also based on the number of people, rather than the dollars given. The “wealthier” churches’ giving makes it possible for us to plant churches in less affluent places.
We determine our costs for everything on an average-adult, per-week basis. We outline all our facilities costs, variable spending, employee costs, etc., categorized into three main buckets: (1) facilities (leased and owned), (2) churches, and (3) central operations. We then calculate how much each bucket costs on a per-adult, per-week basis. Facilities and central operations costs are shared by all churches.
We look at the variable spending across all 14 churches, identify efficiencies, and put together a church operating budget that supports the right amount of spending per adult. So, as the adult attendance grows, so does the variable spending.
‘How is compensation set at Mars Hill?’
Compensation is connected and linked to increased responsibilities that are directly related to the mission and vision of Mars Hill, which are given by supervisors and communicated between leadership and employees. Each position is assigned a staff level (staff, supervisor, manager, director, etc.) based on level of responsibility. The staff level determines the compensation range and vacation eligibility.
Compensation for being a staff member at one of our 14 churches is based on the responsibility and number of people in weekend attendance. Three different independent studies are used to determine market rates for all staff positions.
The independent members of the Board of Advisors and Accountability set executive elders’ compensation. Additionally, an independent compensation study is done for our executive elders by an external accounting firm.
‘Do elders give at Mars Hill?’
Elders at Mars Hill are expected to give a minimum of 10 percent. We would never require this of a non-elder but we believe elders are supposed to lead and love the church more than anyone else. Many of them give more than 10 percent.
Mars Hill Church continually aspires to be a good and faithful servant of what Jesus has entrusted us with. As our 2012 Annual Report indicates, Jesus has entrusted Mars Hill with much (Matt. 24:21–30).
This is our fourth and final post in the Stewardship FAQs: What Mars Hill Believes about Money miniseries. Last week, we answered the question “How does Mars Hill handle the money people give?” If you have any further questions regarding Mars Hill Church’s financial policies, email money@marshill.com.
