Expert: John Varghese - 8/3/2010

Question
It is a conflict of interest for a pastor to serve on the board of directors (VP) of the church.

Answer
Dear Bonnie,

It depends. A pastor has got a tremendous influence among the members of the church, but since a church is normally a not for profit agency, just by being a member of board of directors of the church there will not be any conflict of interest. But there could be circumstances where the pastor could have a conflict of interest, like when the church decides the service conditions of the pastor, and the conflict can be rectified by pastor not participating in the meetings where decisions pertaining to pastoral remuneration and similar matters are discussed.

Hope this clarifies.

Regards
John Varghese