Business Administrative Resources
Recent Communications | Salary Guidelines | Human Resources
Treasurer Resources | Church Board Resources | Church Safety
LCMS Church and School Administration | Employment Opportunities
Strategic Partners in Mission Listing
Important Changes Effective February 21, 2025
The Michigan District Business Office will continue to update this page as we gather additional information.
Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) – Effective February 21, 2025
ESTA replaced the Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA) effective February 21, 2025. This affects all employers with at least one employee, however the benefits and rules differ for small (10 employees or less), who must comply by October 1, and large (11 or more employees) employers, which is already in effect.
ESTA eligible time off can now be front-loaded at the beginning of the year and other types of time off can be used in place of sick time as long as it follows the minimum accrual of 1 hour per 30 hours worked and can be used for the same purpose.
Recent Communications
Sept-25 Fall – Letter to Congregations
Salary Guidelines
Compensation Guide & Calculator (pdf & excel file)
Additional Compensation tools developed by Concordia Plan Services
Church Tool: Using this tool churches can create compensation estimates for positions including Sole Pastor, Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, Director of Christian Education, Director of Christian Outreach, Deaconess, Director of Family Life Ministry, Director of Parish Music, and Lay Minister. https://tc.cbiz.com/CompToolCPS/Login.aspx
The church tool is also available in the Apple app store for Apple devices. Search “CPS Comp” to find the app. It functions in a very similar way to the actual online version. (A School App is not currently available).
School Tool: The educator tool allows the user to create compensation estimates for positions including Teacher, Assistant Teacher, Head Principal/Administrator, Assistant Principal/Administrator, and Early Childhood Director. Schools from preschools and childcare centers all the way through high schools can use the tool. https://tc.cbiz.com/CompToolCPSEd/Login.aspx
Human Resources Guides
What to do if ICE is at Your Door
What To Do When You Receive a Call
Job Descriptions – Ministry Staff, Officers, Admin Staff, Facilities Staff
HR Poster Compilation – to post in various locations – Updated September 2025
Sabbatical Guidelines – 2008
Employment Resource Manual – pdf (2012)
Commissioned Worker Call Process Information
Annual Review Template (fillable .docx) – This is the review form we utilize at the District Office. For a complete overview of evaluation best practices, please connect with your District Facilitator.
Pastor or Principal Annual Review Sample Form
Teacher or DCE Annual Review Sample Form
Treasurer Resources
LCMS Congregational Treasurer’s Manual – 8/25/25 (File in dropbox)
Michigan Supplement 2025 – 9/2025
Michigan Minimum Wage Poster 9/2025
ESTA Required Poster Spanish – 9/2025
Educational Assistance Plan and Student Loan Repayment Program
- Educational Assistance Program Information & Sample (pdf file)
- Educational Assistance Plan – (word document version)
Student Loan Assistance – video
New Hire Reporting Form & Portal
Money Handling Suggestions for Congregations
CPH – Church Management System – The Church360° Suite is your comprehensive church management system with web-based software for people, finances, and website building. With ease of use and product-to-product integration, church management software has never been so efficient. First-Time Concordia Technology Solutions Customers Receive $100 purchase off any Church360° product. Church360° LCMS District Referral.
Church Board Resources
Guidelines for LCMS Congregation Constitutions
Protecting Your Ministry – A Legal Guide for Churches, Christian Schools, and Christian Ministries
Faith and Freedom Resources – (includes information about the ADF Church Alliance)
Alliance Defending Freedom – Impact of Supreme Court Rulings on Churches and Ministries Across America (Webinar recording) – added 8/14/20
Crisis Management for Congregations and Ministries
CEF “MI-Home” Mortgage Offer – Special mortgage rate offer for new to the District church workers
Church Safety
Guidelines for Emergency Operation Plans