The Fair Labor Standards Act

September marks my first anniversary of returning to the Oregon Ministry Network to serve as the Lead Pastor of Administration. As Secretary-Treasurer, I tell people my ministry now revolves around counting nickels and noses. But all joking aside, here is how I truly view my current ministry assignment: As Network Secretary, I steward the King’s call on people's lives, and as Network Treasurer, I steward the King’s treasures.

As ministers, we all have responsibilities when it comes to stewarding the King’s treasures. His treasures are not limited to money but also include people, especially if those people are our employees. This is why I want to make sure all our churches and ministers know about the changes the U.S. Department of Labor recently enacted. On July 1, 2024, The Fair Labor Standards Act increased the salary threshold for overtime pay from $684 per week ($35,568 annually) to $844 per week ($43,888 annually). There will likely be an additional increase in January 2025. I understand how changes like these can be concerning, but they also serve as opportunities for us in leadership to ensure that we treat our employees fairly.

The Bible has much to say about how to lead and care for our employees. One of the main things we must remember as leaders of His church is that Jesus taught that more is asked of leaders because they have been given more authority and responsibility.

 “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” (Luke 12:48 NLT)

The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 5:18, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages” (ESV). Paul mentions two sources to support his teaching on properly caring for hard-working employees. First, he quotes Deuteronomy 25:4. Second, he references Jesus’ words from Luke 10:7, “For the laborer deserves his wages” (ESV).

According to Rollie Dimos, “The Department of Labor, overtime protections have been a critical part of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and were established to benefit workers, their families, and communities. While this new change is intended to bring fairness in employee pay, the topic of compensation, employee classification, and overtime continues to be a confusing area for churches.” Because these laws can be confusing, I encourage every church leader to read Rollie’s full article titled “New Overtime Changes That Impact the Church.”

Treating your employees fairly includes paying them fairly and reviewing their pay annually. We must understand that when someone works for us, they earn their pay; their paycheck is not a gift given but a debt owed to them. The best rule to follow is to treat your employees how you want to be treated.

It is time we ask, how are we treating our employees?

Leadership Truth: Those who work only for reward think chiefly of themselves; those who work for love think chiefly of the people they serve.