Pastor moving out of parsonage, should I get a raise?

by Lynne
(Atlanta, GA)

I work as a full time children's pastor at a church, and when I was offered the job, a parsonage and all housing expenses was part of the compensation package I was offered. The parsonage is not nice at all, but it has sufficed the last two years, however, my husband and I are outgrowing the tiny two bed/1 bath home and looking to buy our own home.

I think the church could get a good amount of rental income from the house, just due to the amazing location of the house (even though it's probably the smallest and worst house in the area, it's in a VERY desirable area).

Should I request a raise in my salary when we move out? Some pastors I know we're offered either a parsonage or an extra $10,000 a year. I think the church could make at least $17,000 a year just in rental income from the house. Would it be fair for me to request a non-taxed housing allowance raise of $10,000 a year, which really would be a very low estimate for the cost of housing in the area we live. Would that be a fair request to make?