Last week, several members of the famous Riverside Church in New York City filed a suit in the state supreme court to block the installation of their pastor-to-be, Brad Braxton. Behind the suit were allegations of secretive behavior by church administrators that resulted in a lucrative financial package for Braxton, and allegations that the minister sought to steer the church in a more conservative direction, one that countered its progressive tradition.
New Yorkers could not miss last week’s headlines:
“Church Members Sue Over Minister’s Pay”
“NYC minister’s $600G-salary package causes flap”
“New Riverside Pastor’s Compensation Splits Congregation”
Headlines like that get the attention of all those interested in either money or religion—so, really, everyone. It should have been a week leading to the validation of Brad Braxton, as he made ready for his installation as full-time senior pastor this past Sunday. Instead, the church was defending itself against the press. And against headlines that, in a recession like this one, only vilify those implicated.
Knee-jerk headlines elicit knee-jerk responses.
But as we know, headlines don’t tell the full story. They attract readers—as many as they can get. Writers described the situation at Riverside as “causing quite a stir” and as being in “a nasty battle with its own congregation,” while in reality, only four members of the congregation were behind the suit petitioning to discontinue Braxton’s installation. From the sound and fury of things, you would have thought a civil war had broken out inside the gothic cathedral in Morningside Heights.
Riverside has always made itself a headline grabber. It’s one of the largest ecumenical, multiracial, progressive churches in the nation. Just the kind of place many outsiders are either looking to in awe (or waiting with bated breath for its implosion). It was the home of Harry Emerson Fosdick, William Sloan Coffin, and most recently James Forbes—all movers and shakers on the side of social justice.
Martin Luther King’s famous speech condemning the Vietnam War came from the Riverside pulpit, and the home has played host to Nelson Mandela and recently Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The church’s own history and nostalgia for those figures sets a high bar for any incoming leader. The most recent news sought to undercut that tradition, and questioned Braxton’s commitment to his predecessors/tradition. So leading up to Sunday, the question remained: can a church professing a mission of social justice pay its pastor $600,000 in total yearly compensation?
How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity
So, Sunday morning. The chairman of the Church committee, Billy Jones, opened with an announcement, explaining to the congregation that Braxton’s pay package was actually closer to $450,000 a year in total compensation, with a base salary of $250,000 and a monthly housing allowance of $11,500. Those numbers, Jones asserted, had been presented to the whole congregation three times before Braxton was ever officially announced as Forbes’ successor. Jones ended his announcements by invoking Psalm 133: “how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity.”
The majority of the congregation rose and cheered.
Braxton’s sermon, entitled “Fear Not,” soon followed.
Riverside’s new pastor urged the congregation not to mistake molehills for the business of moving mountains. With that line, things got political real quick. Braxton hit the climax of the sermon, and, channeling the voices of Fosdick and Coffin, he urged his congregants to fight against immigration injustice, fight sexual bigotry, support civil unions and gay marriage, fight against Christian imperialism—and most provocatively, he urged those at Riverside to be on the side of promoting condom use to curb the spread of AIDS in Africa, “unlike other religious leaders.”
That string of declarations (including that last one, a swipe at the Pope) was intended to address all those who suggested that Braxton lacked the social justice edge the church required. And he finished with, “I wonder if that will make it to the front page of the news.”
It was a good show for the new pastor—as it had to be. But because of last week’s headlines, when most people think of Rev. Braxton they will also think of a dollar sign. Is it a lot of money? You bet your sweet financial recession it is. But the church is betting that to be a big influential progressive church, they have to make a big financial investment in their leader.
Is it too much? Most of his new congregation doesn’t seem to think so. As Braxton began to finish his sermon, you didn’t hear him so much as the congregation on its feet, cheering.
Later that day, at Braxton’s installation: protests, maybe? Well, no. Governor Paterson spoke on Braxton’s behalf, and I did get a sweet commemorative bookmark out of it.
Tags: brad braxton, capitalism, ethics, greed, leadership struggles, morningside heights, new york times, preston davis, progressive christians, progressive religion, rhetoric, riverside church
Riverside can pay their pastor any amount they choose. That is a local church's business, and it seems the entire congregation knew what his salary was when they voted on it. A few people didn't like it, and they don't like the idea of a majority carrying the day. No court will side with a bunch of bellyachers who are displeased with what the church desires. They failed the Ninth Grade Civics course. Amen. -Wendell Franklin Wentz
I had the privilege of growing up in a wonderful, small town in Virginia along with Rev. Brad Braxton. During his childhood, he was a stand-out in every way one could conceive--his character, his knowledge, his ability to relate with others, his depth of thought, his wisdom, his leadership, his service to others, his right-heartedness, his athleticism, his academic performance, his speaking abilities, and, above all else, his faith. Brad was unlike anyone most people knew. Adults in our city and in our school system (ranked number 2 in Virginia, actually) looked up to him when he was a teenager. How many educated adults look up to a teenager? ESPN featured him as a student athlete. He preached the baccalaureate service himself when we were graduating seniors. The city of Salem, VA created a holiday in his honor when he was probably in his early 20's--August 29 was "Brad Braxton Day." How many 20 year olds have that sort of recognition?
Brad was a Jefferson Scholar at UVA and a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford. He completed his education with a doctorate from Emory University. His accomplishments are many and truly phenomenal for a man his age. One would have to search long and hard to find a man in his late 30's with a scroll of accomplishments or a nature to match his.
In college, I recall trying to write a paper about the most incredible person I had met, and I could not put into words how utterly outstanding Brad was. No matter what I wrote, I could not capture him, and I am probably not doing it well once again.
When the prestigious Riverside Church had announced they desired to install Brad Braxton as their senior pastor, someone from the search committee wrote a letter to the congregation regarding Brad and posted it on the church's website. I read it and thought, "This woman has had the same struggle I did. This doesn't even scratch the surface of the treasure God is allowing to stand before their congregation." I even thought about writing her and saying, "You just have no idea what you have coming! Do you? You are all so very blessed!"
My husband played football with Brad at Salem High School. I was the captain of the cheerleading squad, and Brad was elected captain of the football team--for both offense and defense. Brad and I planned pep rallies together. When my husband and I chose to marry 7 years after graduation, Brad performed our wedding. Our firstborn son is named Braxton after him. If one is going to name a child after someone, it is difficult to top Brad Braxton.
It isn't a surprise to us that Brad has been selected to be pastor at some of the nation's most prestigious churches. Finding him on Greta Van Susteren's show didn't shock anyone from around here, either. The textbooks he has written, the opportunities he has had--everything we see and hear about him is precisely what we would anticipate.
Barack Obama would adore him. I am waiting to learn that the two have met. I am convinced they will.
The only thing shocking I have ever heard in relation to Brad Braxton was featured in your article. Brad Braxton not worth $600K? Are you kidding? My contention is that he is grossly underpaid. Someone of Brad's caliber deserves way more than that--especially for the expense of living in New York. Every fall Sunday, millions of Americans tune in and focus on football players who are paid millions upon millions of dollars to run a ball down a field. Riverside Chruch has been given a gift in Brad Braxton; they have the privilege of his spiritual leadership. He deserves millions!!!
As for the naysayers...Isn't it like the devil to create strife when God is about to do something awesome? It is far easier and cheaper to just get up and leave the church than it is to have a lawsuit. There's no way that these people know what they have. If they did, they wouldn't dream of it!
Wendy Wall, VA
As a long-time attendee of Riverside Church, I would like to add a few points:
1) I think Brad Braxton offers AMAZING sermons! I was so excited that this young minister was possessed with such powerful insight, wisdom, and intelligence. (Although I do find it difficult to understand how any successfully married Christian husband can approve of same-sex marriage. But hey, I don't know all the mysteries of the universe - and we will never agree with everyone on everything.)
2) I think that Sunday's sermon that Preston Davis witnessed is not completely reflective of a regular Sunday @ Riverside Church. I felt as though the church was filled with Rev. Braxton's friends/supporters - which is fine. In fact, I know a number of his friends/supporters were announcing on Facebook that they were visting from out of town to attend his installation. However, I think one might walk away with a skewed perception of the views of Riversiders based solely on that Sunday.
3) $600K is a lot of money!!! Riverside was founded by the Rockefeller family - but it's not a rich congregation (any more). Let's also bare in mind that Rev. Forbes - who is undisputedly a lion in the Christian tradition - was paid approximately $350K. And he earned this much after 18 YEARS of service to Riverside Church.
4) Riverside Church is running at an operational deficit - meaning, it is losing money EVERY year. There is an endowment by the Rockefellers - but it will only cover a certain percentage of those annual losses.
5) I think it will be important for Rev. Braxton to show himself as a true leader - both administratively and morally. Given these economic times, the high level of unemployment, and the fact that many Riversiders are lower-income and/or struggling financially - it does seem to be in poor taste to accept such an overly generous compensation package. One does not need a $11,500 per month housing stipend to live in NYC. Since his wife is a principal in her own consulting firm, I would like to believe that between his base salary and her income, they would have more than enough to live. Unlike corporate CEOs, Rev. Braxton is doing the Lord's work. I think market-based principles have no place here.
5) It will be very hard to ask lower-income members to continue to tithe, while Rev. Braxton is living in what has been described as a luxury building - and receiving $11,500 per month for housing. Personally, I have decided that I will give my money directly to the poor - since Riverside has done such a poor job managing financially.
5) I think the aforementioned sermon really did little to address the issue at hand - Rev. Braxton's overly generous salary for leading a church that is losing money each year. Billy Jones' only explanation was that his salary was commensurate with other ministers at churches of similar size. Are those churches losing money? And since when do we justify our behavior by what others are doing? I think all of our mothers probably addressed that little issue when we were still chidren. Further, I thought Rev. Braxton could have used the opportunity for self reflection - and to say that as a leader of this church, he will embrace a greater spirit of austerity. In these economic times, with the financial markets tumbling....parishoners losing jobs....and living expenses going through the roof.....THIS IS NO TIME FOR A RAISE. How can one look in the face of people who are struggling to pay their bills and feed their families....while asking them to help pay your $11,500 per month housing stipend?
6) At the end of the day, it should be about what God wants. If God wants Rev. Braxton to have what seems to be an enormous compensation package, then I pray that He reveals this to everyone else. And if He doesn't, I pray that God touches Rev. Braxton's heart. Amen!
Since when did receiving "spiritual leadership" become a privelege that Rev. Braxton is affording the rest of us? I understand that Wendy is a friend of Rev. Braxton, but this is wherein lies the danger - ego.
I enjoy the way Rev. Braxton always introduces his sermons by saying that he is not speaking; instead, he hopes that God speaks through him.
Wendy, do you remember that part?
God uses all of us....not just the highly educated Rhode Scholars who were athletes and have their own holidays someplace in Virginia.
And rather than paying Rev. Braxton what football players make, perhaps they should make what the rest of us make....
Then perhaps our country would not be in such financial straits.
The position of pastoring believers and unbelievers and guiding them to the Lord is a very high calling. To have a leader who dedicated his entire life to loving the Lord, learning all he possibly can about Him, sharing that knowledge with others, walking a sincere faith, and being blessed with a giftedness that is almost indescribable IS A PRIVILEGE. The very last word ANYONE who ever spent any time with Brad Braxton would attach to him is "ego." In fact, I was shocked to see the original article here had a tag of "greed" to it. Such a mismatch for Brad Braxton. Sorry. It simply is.
Good for Brad to begin every sermon with comments that God should speak through him. That is the opposite of ego and an example of true humility. Numerous books have been written about being vessels God can use rather than taking advantage of opportunities to pass along whatever one feels as God's Word. The Bible IS LOADED with scripture that addresses God giving us right words to say in certain circumstances, our words being pleasing to Him, etc. I have heard pastors stand up and go so far as to say, "God, just shut my mouth entirely, if what I am saying is not something you would want me to say." One should certainly hope their pastor would want God only to allow words He would guide to come from his mouth. This sort of comment from a pastor should not be foreign to anyone who studies their Bible or believes what they learn in church when they attend regularly.
I suppose I balk when I see people fuss over $600K as a salary for a very gifted, accomplished pastor in a very expensive city. I live in a small city in VA. I personally know people making more money than that a year here as accountants, doctors, lawyers, dentists, etc. Guiding people to eternal salvation is worth far more than any of their services!
For a pastor of Brad's caliber in a Christian church in that city, $600K is worth every penny and then some. For leading a social club under the guise of religion,where church is an object of status rather than active faith, I think $600K would be outrageous. I suppose it all depends on who you really are and what you value. I think the Word of the Lord says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I see that my first paragraph in "RE: Another Observation" was missing the end... The end should read, "In response to 'D' who asked, 'Since when did receiving spiritual leadership become a privlege that Rev. Braxton is affording the rest of us?'that answer is simple. For your church, Rev. Braxton's spiritual leadership came the day God made him Senior Pastor."
Did you read my post?
Do you think a church that is running at an operational deficit during the worst economic period since the Great Depression should pay a new minister almost 2x what the previous minister earned after 18 years?
Does he really need $11,500 per month for a housing stipend (once again, during the worst economic period since the Great Depression)?
While you may know people in NYC who earn more than that, I know people who earn far less and live quite comfortably. With a salary of $250,000....he could easily afford a $2,500/month apartment on his own (although perhaps not in the luxury building in which he lives). And let's not forget that his wife is a principal in her own consulting firm!
Of course he became spiritual leader of Riverside Church. But you are missing the point.
Your post strongly suggests that having him do God's work at Riverside is somehow our "privelege." Your statement (not his) smacks of egoism and entitlement. God is less concerned about our salary than our character. During the years of your friendship with Rev. Braxton, didn't he ever impress this fact upon you? (That is rhetorical.)
Let's remember, he is doing God's work. He is not affording us some "special privelege," as you suggest is worth "millions."
So what I'm concerned about is his MORAL leadership. How can he - with any sense of morality - minister to a church....while collecting a salary that is sucking it dry (regardless of who offered it)?
That is where moral conscious comes into play.
The jobless rate is going through the roof - and he is effectively taking money from the less priveleged to enrich himself. (Mind you, many Riversiders live in public/subsidized/rent-controlled housing.)
No matter how great he may be, I find it unfathomable that God wants Rev. Braxton to live high off the hog....while the people who are paying his salary struggle.
That's just some shameful stuff....
Wendy, you wrote, "I think the Word of the Lord says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.""
Are you misconstruing that to mean that Rev. Braxton should earn a lot of money!?!?! Quite frankly, some of your comments are very disturbing. Have you ever listened to his sermons? Or even read the Bible?
Perhaps you should read the whole text....and focus on verse 24.
Matthew 6:19-24 (New American Standard Bible)
19"(A)Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;
21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22"The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.
23"But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
24"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other You cannot serve God and wealth.
Rev. Braxton has the "privelege" of ministering to the poor, and he is using the opportunity to enrich himself at their expense.
REMEMBER: the opportunity to do God's work is the privelege; hearing God's word is a gift from Heaven.
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