Administrator Resources
- Administration Matters - ELCA Resource
- Copyright Info - ELCA Resource
- Records Management - ELCA Resource
- Property Matters - ELCA Resource
- Property Tax Exemption - ELCA Resource
Compensation Guidelines
- Compensation Guidelines 2026
- 2025 Standard Mileage Rate is $0.70/mile - IRS Resource (the 2026 mileage rate has not yet been released)
Looking for compensation guidance on lay employees? Due to such a wide variety of positions, hours, education and other factors for non-rostered people, we encourage your personnel committee to look at your local school district pay schedule for office, youth and custodial workers.
Constitutions
It is recommended that ELCA congregations review the adopted amendments for their constitutions as soon as possible after each churchwide assembly to incorporate the required changes and to consider the recommended changes.
Financial Resources
- Congregation Remittance Form 2024/2025
- Treasurer's Financial and Accounting Guide - ELCA Resource
- Financial Best Practices - ELCA Resource
- Audit Guide - ELCA Resource
- Compensation Guidelines 2026
- SWWA Synod Budget 2026/2027
Personnel Policies and Resources
- Employee and Volunteer Resources - ELCA Resource
- Definitions/Guidelines for Discipline - ELCA Resource
- Guidelines for Sabbatical Leave
- I-9 - Employment Eligibility Verification Form
- How to complete a Pastor's W-2 Form
- Job Description Samples - coming soon!
- W-4 Employee Withholding Form
- Sexual Harassment Policy - coming soon!
- Synod Personnel Policy
- SWWA Review Forms for Pastor, Leader and Congregation
- SWWA Review Forms for Ministry - coming soon!
Pulpit Supply
Recommended Compensation: The congregation should establish reasonable reimbursement rates for the conducting of worship services AND travel expenses for supply pastors. The recommended minimum rate of payment to supply pastors is $200 for one worship service and $75 for each additional service/forum/event on the same day and at the same location. Travel related expenses (mileage, housing and meals as appropriate) should also be reimbursed. The payment of these expenses is the sole responsibility of the congregation and should be paid on the day the supply pastor fills the pulpit. The Synod recommends using the current IRS mileage reimbursement rate ($0.70/mile as of Jan. 2025).
Please email stefanie.dezarn@swwasynod.org for current supply list.