Written by: Web Team
We recently gave you the opportunity ask our president, Wess, any questions you like. We’re publishing his answers one day at a time. If you want to catch up, here’s the background skinny.
- How does it feel to be making such a large salary? Do you feel like it would benefit more children in poverty if you were to take a cut in pay so that more of those funds could go toward ministering to children? (Kayla)
This is a fair question because this is a non-profit organization and this type of information is on public record. Anyone who wants to find out what the leaders of Compassion make can review our 990 form.
There are some decisions that I don’t make around here, and all the decisions about what I’m paid fall to Compassion’s Board of Directors. Our Board believes that Compassion must exercise prudent business judgment in balancing the stewardship of the ministry’s financial resources, the needs of the employees, and the payment of salaries sufficient to attract and retain the well-qualified employees who are required to effectively carry out our ministry. It is important to Compassion’s Board of Directors that we represent both excellence and stewardship.
Part of our salary structure also dictates that all Compassion staff are paid relative to that of the top position in the organization, which happens to be mine. So, if I were to be paid less, it means that every person below me in the organization would also be paid less. I have staff reporting to me who are responsible for managing a budget of nearly $400 million. It requires a high level of management competency to effectively supervise all that has been entrusted to this ministry.
I wish we lived in a world where Christians could fully focus on what we feel the Lord has called us to do without also having to worry about paying a mortgage, putting children through college, caring for aging parents, planning for retirement, etc. But, this is a reality that American non-profits (probably including many of our churches and some government officials) have struggled with for a long time.
What my wife and I have determined – and what I think everybody has to determine for themselves is – what is enough? Anything beyond enough can trap you. I live a very modest life, with a modest house and a modest car. Once Donna and I figured out what was enough for us, we agreed to just give the rest away. In fact, we give quite a lot of it right back to Compassion—we sponsor lots of kids and support every other mission effort that goes out of this place.
The truth is I would work for Compassion for absolutely nothing if it were possible.
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May 30th, 2008 at 6:32 am
What a great answer, Wess. Thank you for your transparency and for being fair and kind in answering my question. I really didn’t want to step on any toes…was just curious, that’s all. I sponsor eight children myself and agree to your practice of living with just enough and then giving the rest away. Have a wonderful day!
May 30th, 2008 at 7:40 am
I live a very modest life, with a modest house and a modest car. Once Donna and I figured out what was enough for us, we agreed to just give the rest away. In fact, we give quite a lot of it right back to Compassion—we sponsor lots of kids and support every other mission effort that goes out of this place.
God bless you Wess Stafford
May 30th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Hey Wess,
Thanks for answering that question, I know too many people who would have answered all of the questions except the one that dealt with finances. Thanks for being transparent and giving a great response!
May 30th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Fantastic answer. Too often, I think we’re prone to judge others by what we see externally when we don’t know what’s going on internally. I know many couples who make scads of money (they don’t work for nonprofits, and they are in high levels of management). It would be easy to make assumptions about their values. But I also happen to know they, like you and your wife, give most of their income away. God gifts us all differently.
I’m loving this series.
May 30th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I’m pretty new to Compassion and after reading this response it confirms all the positive things I have learned about this organization. I know I’m in the right place! God bless you!
May 30th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Very well said! I have worked for nonprofits, and yes, they are generally way underpaid and lost talent to for-profits on a regular basis. In the U.S. at least, I think that people view nonprofit employees as overpaid if they are paid more than they are.
May 30th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
That was a wonderful answer! It reminds me a little of what I’ve heard Billy Graham say: “It’s not wrong to make a million dollars, it’s just wrong to keep them!” God blesses us all with various amounts of money. The amount of money isn’t really the issue. It’s what we do with it. I think of I Tim. 6, where there is instruction to rich people. It tells them to be generous, ready and willing to share. It never said that it was wrong to be rich, it just gave instructions, because with the money we can store up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust doesn’t corrupt. Thank you, Wess for being an example of that!
Blessings,
Kees
May 31st, 2008 at 9:23 am
Whew! Talk about a truthful and honest answer, thank you Mr. Stafford. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer these questions…we can see Jesus and His love for children shining through you in your words. Keep on doing what you’re doing, God bless you richly!!
May 31st, 2008 at 10:39 am
Kayla, you are AMAZING for sponsoring eight kids! What a great commitment that is.
I like what was said here about being a good steward of the money you are given. That seems to be the key in Christian life. Some of us make a lot, some of us don’t, but what you do with it is what matters.