Needing Advice On How Much Free Labour to Give A Pastor.

[Subhumanoidal]

My husband also said to the pastor that at tax time, it would look bad if it states he did a job but earned minimal income and it could be brought into question whether he wasn't being truthful about his profit and avoiding paying tax. The pastor said he didn't know that and brushed it off.

I was initially reluctant to paint the pastor in a negative light, but with this information it seems he has done it himself. It's clear he's trying to get the work done ridiculously cheap. Beyond reasonable. And shown himself to be selfish by holding back money, in an attempt to make more money fixing up the house, and also going on an out of country trip.
As well as clearly not caring in the least how his decisions and manipulations affect your husband (and also you and your family).
This is not a good pastor in any manner. It's time to move on from him, spiritually.
As far as the work aspect, I'm not really educated or informed on such matters. But it sounds as if your husband got suckered and is paying the price.

 

[Genipher]

I find it baffling when people start a project they can't pay for. Pastor should have saved and set money aside instead of whining about financial hard times.

 

[2ndTimeIsTheCharm]

I was alarmed that your husband signed something to bind him to that work. Is there anything in the contract that mentions what would make it null and void, like maybe the pastor not having the money for the labor and materials. Find out how you can break it within legal means.

 

[Tall_Timbers]

I think as I'm getting more answer from my husband and typing this... the more ridiculous this situation sounds.

It really is over-the-top. I'd suggest to your husband that he stand down at least until accounts are settled... The $20 per hour paid up to the present, materials paid for, and the next stage of materials paid for. If your husband can legally drop the job, that would be the best thing, in my opinion. If he did drop the job, he should still bill the pastor for what's owed. Also, maybe find a different church...

 

[GaryA]

Also, maybe find a different church...

I echo the sentiment - sounds like that "pastor" should not be anyone's pastor...

 

[Ballaurena]

People tend to have no problem with a generous tip to a waitress, which I have no problem with. Then after spending over $20 on one meal they don't consider that you put in incredibly difficult, highly skilled work to impart to their children, your students.
If they give to a short temporary unskilled service that's compensated by their employer, then aren't you worthy of more for the hours of sweat and time of preparation outside class, to bless them than perhaps 10 minutes or so of actual unskilled labor a waiter may provide?

We teachers provide skills that may last benefit others for a lifetime if they value and use them. The over ten thousand hours of intensive and often very painful training is worthy of respect if I must say so myself.

To be compensated for it fairly is a challenge when rent and utilities for the large floor space is beyond outrages.

You say that you work at the YMCA!
My school began in a YMCA that was located in the bottom 2 floors of an historical landmark next to a refurbished 100+ year old theater and a bank. We eventually moved to Main street and after many years ended up going back to that YMCA location that was closed. That's pretty neat. It's a small world.

Thank you again for the kind words and truly helpful example for comparison. While I hope people on the other side hear it too, it does help me along that line of having a more full picture of my own worth.

And yes, small world. If the YMCA is honest in their intention to practice Christian principals than perhaps that is why they have popped up in God's guiding both of our lives. It's hard to tell when they have embraced the Pride movement on the whole, but a lot has to do with the local people. I know that in my experience God has used the willingness of Mormon young men even though their church clearly has some issues.