While I agree that $189,000 is A LOT for a minister to be making, again, this is something the congregation votes on, and is largely based on the size of the congregation; the head pastor of a mega-church has a much larger flock to pastor than the minister of a small country church. The compensation package for the pastor of a mega church is not an accurate reflection of what the average pastor earns. The average minster receives a modest salary, or a compensation package that combines salary and housing), health insurance if they are lucky, a retirement fund if they are lucky. But most do still need to take on a second job to fill in the gaps.