Funeral Expense - Preacher

A family member has a question about how much to pay preacher for conducting a funeral? Deceased is a active member of the preacher's church. Any suggestions or recent experiences?

 

I had a friend pay her pastor $100.00 for his services, but I dont' think there is a set amount. I would think what ever they could afford would be appropriate.

 

Thanks. That is the amount ($100.) I suggested but have not had to plan a funeral in many years.

 

We gave our pastor 200 for our wedding. I know, it is not a funeral.

 

Shows what I know....

It never occured to me to pay the pastor for a funeral. :shock:

 

Oh, good, I thought I was the only one!

 

Nope. There with both of ya.

 

I wouldn't think that you would have to pay the pastor if the deceased was a member of the pastor's church. Isn't that sorta part of his job???

 

I would say $100 is a reasonable amount. That is what we have always done.

 

Call a deacon in the church and ask them.

 

We gave $100 when my mother passed away in the spring.. That seemd to be the consensus, when asked.

 

Umm.... I have lost a bunch of people this year and no one was "paid"!

Why to you have to have a preacher do it?

:?
My uncle was buried last week and a preacher donated his time because he knew my uncle.


don't EVEN get me started! Ask JS and KC! :wink:

 

You should offer to pay the pastor. $50.00-100.00 sounds reasonable as long as it was local and no extra visits etc were provided. I have worked in a church before and even if its for a church member, you should offer the pastor some compensation because it most cases, they have to do more than just conduct the funeral....they spend time with the family, visitation, burial site, etc....its takes them away from their family and work that they would otherwise be doing at/for the church.

One preacher told me one time he was asked to drive several hours away to conduct a funeral of a past member, and all they paid him was $5.00....
hardly paid for his gas, you know what I mean.

As far as it being part of their job, thats true....but if you appreciate someone and especially if they go out of their way to help and minister to you and your family, its nice to offer payment, some may not take it, but it should at least be offered.

 

I completely agree.

 

My FIL is a Methodist preacher (don't laugh b/c you know me!) and he does this for FREE because it's his JOB!!

 

I think it is done as a appreciation thing. I dont think that you HAVE to pay. If you think of it 50-100 dollars isnt much for his time. JMO. Its like a thank you. I respect that your dad doesnt charge, I dont feel like any preacher "charges" . I think a donation to the church is very appropiate. I would be hurt if they didnt take what I would offer. Its just something a little extra.



:wink:

 

I think that the money is not a fee but similar to a tip. As far as I know, they all do it for free. I'm not quite sure that it is actually "their job", but I have never read the handbook :wink: .

 

i was curious so i googled tipping etiquette ---

http://www.findalink.net/tippingetiquette.php

Funeral Etiquette
The tip or gratuity for the clergyman who performs a funeral service is called the honorarium. The amount of the honorarium is typically $50-200. The amount is personal and varies based upon many factors:

How much of the service does the clergyman perform, and does it include a graveside service?
How many ministers are speaking at the service.
How well do you know the minister?
How good of a job does he do?
What is customary for the area?
How much can you afford?
When my daughter died, I had two ministers from my church perform the services. One spoke for the memorial service, and the other did the graveside. Both refused the honorarium. When this happens, wait a couple of months and do something special for him. Be sure to send a thank you card regardless.

If you are still not sure how much to give, then ask for some help from the funeral director. He will know what is customary.

You do not tip a funeral director.

 

Well, I guess you learn something new everyday!

 

Ok, you may not tip him. You give him a honorarium. Same kind of thinking. I think you get the point. I call it a donation to show appreciation. He can put it in his pocket or towards the church. :wink: :wink: