What Is an Appropriate Severance for Pastors on Their Way Out of a Church?

A power group surprisingly forced out Pastor Timothy after four years of successful ministry. Pastor John was caught embezzling funds and was fired immediately. After ten years, the board removed Pastor Ed because they believed he was not a leadership match for the congregation. 

Should these pastors receive a severance? It depends.

Severance pay is a common practice in many industries. Some employers will offer severance as a gesture of goodwill to those laid off, but it is not required by law ...