Black Pastors take Classes on Preaching, Salaries at National Baptist Convention

And he says he found that at the annual Congress of Christian Education of the National Baptist Convention USA, the biggest African-American religious group in the United States. Stallion is one of thousands of pastors and church leaders who flocked to the convention in Detroit this week to take classes on how to improve their churches.

Sessions at Cobo Center and other Detroit locations offered practical tips on pastor compensation and preaching, among other topics.

The Rev. Walter Sims of Birmingham, Ala., taught a class called "Pay Your Pastor! How Much is He Worth?" On Wednesday, there was a lively class discussion about pastor compensation.

Sims said that at times, some people wonder if pastors are paid too much. But he told the class, "If you bless the pastor, God will bless the church."

"He's on call 24-7, seven days a week," Sims added. "He gives his life for the work of the Lord. And God's people ought to take care of the man of God."

A fact sheet handed out during the class gave recommendations for pastor salaries based on experience and education levels.

Imogene Koehler of St. Paul, Minn., took the class, saying that in addition to a salary, her church pays their pastor living expenses and a gas allowance.

Stallion said the sessions he attended stressed the importance of fasting and spending private time with God daily.

"I'm going to get back refreshed, empowered and encouraged," Stallion said after his class. "I hope to take what I learned and implement it in the church."