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PASTOR'S REPORT, June 25, 1979
Page 9
ministerial transfers; area cost of living differences. Even though you
yourself may not be moving this year, you are still affected by area cost
of living differences.
Probably most of you have heard of Murphy's Law: "If anything can go wrong,
it will." Well, those of us in Ministerial Services feel there must be a
humorous corollary to this relating to ministerial transfers. It goes
something like this:
"Whenever transferred, a minister will only be sent
to a higher living cost area." At least so it seems.
Although this obviously isn't the case, there are reasons why it seems to
be true. As a nation (speaking basically of the United States, but it
probably holds true to some degree of others as well), we are programmed to
expect and hope that each move we make will raise our quality of living.
It is natural for an individual who is moving to desire to upgrade his
living standard. It's part of our success-oriented culture. However, such
things as a little larger or somewhat nicer house or apartment in a slightly
better neighborhood can significantly affect a person's living costs. Con
sequently, a substantial increase in the cost of living in the new area may
be partly a reflection of an increase in the standard of living and not
totally a result of higher living costs.
Also, certain costs are brought to your attention at moving time that have
not been a concern in some time. They include such things for the new
home as rugs, drapes and curtains, and other necessary items for a different
home. Also, the cost of general items such as food and utilities are
brought to our attention simply because it is necessary to find new sources
for these basics. For instance, I know how aware of prices I am when I
visit a new grocery store, I automatically begin comparing prices.
Obviously, sometimes ministers are sent to areas where the cost of living
is higher than before. However, even though it might be hard to believe in
this day and age, there are lower-than-average cost areas as well as
average and higher-than-average cost areas. Those moving from lower-than
average cost areas are likely going to experience a jump in living costs
no matter where they go. In such cases, they are losing the special
benefit of living in a low cost area. Those who have this benefit often
don't realize what a benefit it is until they lose it. Consequently, it
hits them hardest when they move to an average or higher-than-average cost
area.
Another reason it seems that new areas are high cost areas is that most
individuals lack the information upon which to make accurate comparisons.
Experience has shown us that two different individuals can have dramatically
varying opinions on the cost of living in the same area. All we can do in
such cases is chalk the difference up to variations in individual perception.
We realize that higher costs of living in new areas are not experienced by
everyone, but for some there are real increases that aren't due to increases
in living standards, or from having been formerly in low cost areas, or
from a lack of proper comparisons. Some locations just simply are more
expensive places in which to live. In another Pastor's Report, we would
like to explain what is being done in studying cost of living patterns
across the country; and what ideas are being considered in an effort to
help with problems associated with ministerial transfers.
--Ted Herlofson, Ministerial Services