In case you haven’t run across it yet, here is just a quick note to inform the congregations and schools of the Indiana District that the Concordia Plans Compensation Decision Support Tool has undergone its yearly update, with a refresh date of February 2, 2026.
With regard to the refresh, a couple things are worth mentioning. The manner in which the Decision Support Tool is refreshed is on a 3-year cycle. The data for the LCMS and Market range use an aging method for two years and on the third-year new benchmarks are established for the various roles in the tool. It just so happens that 2026 was a benchmarking year for the school tool, whereas 2025 was a benchmarking year for the church tool. During benchmark years, it is possible to see variations, fluctuations (or a lack thereof) from previous years as the trends applied during the aging years are re-evaluated as new benchmarks are set utilizing current, realized salary data. Because the Support Tool is unique and specific to each ministry’s specific situation, whether that be their size, geographic location, the worker’s education, years of experience, etc., there is no absolute recommendation for an increase in salary. Many factors can and will go into those possible recommendations as deliberated by church councils and school boards. If there are any questions that arise when churches and schools of the Indiana District utilize the Support Tool, please do not hesitate to contact the Indiana District office. We will help and assist to the best of our ability.
Link to District Office Finance Staff Contacts
Concordia Plans does produce an FAQ document that is quite helpful in answering all manner of questions often posed by churches and schools. Of particular interest is the last question of the FAQ that speaks to considerations for compensation and budgeting. You can find a link to the FAQ document below:
Click here for link to CPS Compensation Decision Support Tool FAQ