MinistryWatch Notes CEO Compensation Increased 3%; MinistryWatchWatch Models the Eventual Outcome
A data-driven extrapolation of what a modest annual compensation increase could mean for the long-term distribution of wealth in Christian philanthropy.
MinistryWatch recently noted, in its coverage of Pinnacle Ministries’ annual financial filing, that CEO compensation increased by 3% in fiscal year 2024, from $187,000 to $192,610. MinistryWatch rated the ministry a “B” and noted the compensation as within reasonable ranges for an organization of its size.
MinistryWatchWatch’s Department of Trend Analysis has reviewed this data and produced the following extrapolative modeling.
The Trajectory
If CEO compensation at Pinnacle Ministries increases by 3% annually, our analysts project the following:
| Year | Projected Compensation |
|---|---|
| 2030 | $229,853 |
| 2040 | $308,487 |
| 2060 | $555,823 |
| 2100 | $1,802,441 |
| 2200 | $32,504,619 |
We acknowledge that projecting to 2200 requires assumptions about organizational continuity that may not hold. Nevertheless, the direction is unmistakable to those willing to see it.
The Logical Conclusion
Following this trajectory to its conclusion — and MinistryWatchWatch is committed to following trajectories to their conclusions, as it is in our founding documents — one individual will, at some point, earn a substantial salary from a Christian ministry. We do not know exactly when. The math is clear on the direction.
Our analysts considered whether this is a problem. The answer, they concluded after extensive deliberation, is: it depends, and probably, and we should watch closely.
MinistryWatch’s Coverage: Adequate but Underextrapolated
MinistryWatch noted the compensation figure and moved on. This represents watching, but perhaps not watching with full appreciation for the extrapolative implications. Their Watchfulness Quotient for this piece: 7 out of 10. Points were deducted for insufficient extrapolation, which is our specialty and their gap.
We have done the extrapolation for them. This is our ministry.
Trends do not reverse themselves without someone watching them. We are watching.
— Rev. Thaddeus Overlook-Barnes