"Rectories" for non-Catholic denominations

[Digitonomy]

In non-Catholic denominations, where does the pastor usually live? Is the pastor just a private homeowner or renter, or is there a “pastor’s house” near to the church? Obviously this will vary by denomination, but any information is appreciated.

 

[LDNCatholic]

The Anglican vicar near me lives on the church grounds in a fairly large house with his family. A methodist minister lives in a normal house on my street, but I think he serves more than one church. I think most protestant pastors live in normal houses.

 

[O.S.Luke]

United Methodists either live in a parsonage (church-owned) or receive a housing allowance. I live in a parsonage. More and more parsonages are not located on the campus of the church - prevents the “fishbowl” effect.

United Methodists are appointed by a bishop, just as in Catholicism, so a parsonage system is preferred to aid in the deployment of clergy.

 

[chris_molter]

Most churches in most denominations provide a rectory or parsonage for their pastor as part of their compensation package. Often this is located on the same property as the sanctuary/church, sometimes it’s located nearby on a separate property.

 

[Zooey]

United Methodists either live in a parsonage (church-owned) or receive a housing allowance. I live in a parsonage. More and more parsonages are not located on the campus of the church - prevents the “fishbowl” effect.

United Methodists are appointed by a bishop, just as in Catholicism, so a parsonage system is preferred to aid in the deployment of clergy.

What Luke just said.

In the Free Methodist Church, the same holds true. The FMC also requires that, if the parsonage is not in use by the pastor, and is rented to someone else, its rent goes to the pastor. He may turn it back to the church, as a personal choice, but the use of a parsonage and/or any monies received from its use by others, is part of the pastoral housing allowance.
(This may be true in my own UMC, but I honestly don’t know…and:blush: me with three terms on the Parsonage Committee)…

In passing, a Catholic Church in a nearby village has, within the past few years (5? maybe?) torn down their rectory altogether…I have no idea where their priest lives. (I do know that he also has other churches, but they don’t have a rectory either… )

 

[Steadfast]

It varies.

Many older churches will have houses on the property which belong to the church but exist for the housing of the Minister and his family. This is especially common among Episcopalians and Presbyterians.

Other churches will own a house somewhere near the church for thsi purpose.

Others will offer a housing subsidy with which the pastor can purchase a home wherever he wishes.

 

[JonNC]

As the son of a Lutheran pastor, I spent the first 12 years of my life living in a parsonage next door to the church. The parish sold the parsonage at that time, and provided my father a housing allowance. I think Lutherans are generally moving away from having parsonages.

Jon

 

[bpbasilphx]

Little known fact:

Clergy must generally pay income taxes on the “fair market value” of the rent that any church-supplied residence would bring.

 

[O.S.Luke]

Little known fact:

Clergy must generally pay income taxes on the “fair market value” of the rent that any church-supplied residence would bring.

Actually, you must pay self-employment tax (15-some %) on the fair rental value of a parsonage/rectory.

Clergy are considered employees for income tax purposes, but self-employed for social security purposes, meaning you must pay ALL of your social security, not just half.