From the church s perspective, there is a substantial economic benefit in excess of the deferred income payments. As other churches in NYC have experienced, housing pastors with young children to educate in the city can be prohibitively expensive. The alternative of having the pastor live outside the city means that the pastor and the congregation do not share the experience of living in the city. There are a number of good public elementary schools which could provide an option for many families, depending on the location of their apartment. Additionally, the minister and his or her family may want to consider applying to independent schools where ministers families traditionally have been looked upon with high regard and where financial aid is available to middle class families on the basis of need.
Many church members live on the West Side, in other areas of the city, or outside the five boroughs.
There are many apartments from the 60s to the 80s on the West Side that are within a mile of the church. West Side prices are significantly lower on average than those on the East Side. Decisions about apartments . If a pastor is looking for an apartment, any choice which commits the church s funds must be approved by the church. An ad hoc committee for the purpose of aiding and approving the apartment selection should be created whenever needed.