In Parade magazine’s annual salary survey, Northeast Florida residents were featured regarding a look at what people earn in a variety of jobs. One of the Northeast Florida residents that was featured, included Jacksonville Presbyterian minister Cindy Benz. She shared that her job feels much less like work when you love what you do.

While Rev. Cindy Benz has been making the hour and 10 minute commute to the First Presbyterian Church of Lake City from her home in Mandarin since this past November, prior to that, she served as an interim pastor for 16 months and commuted to the First Presbyterian Church of Palatka.

Benz states that it can easily take a year – maybe even two – for a church to find a new pastor, so instead of packing and moving to a home closer to her church – she expects it to be like this for a while. However, she does not mind the commute and said that, “it’s fun for me, I get to move around. It suits my nature.”

When Benz saw the salary request survey from Parade magazine, she did not hesitate responding, even though it meant that the whole world would now know how much she made. In fact, she had no problem telling the magazine that she makes $51,125.

Benz states that, “I say, here’s what it is, and here’s what I tithe, which is over and above the traditional amount. I share this because I am grateful to be there and to serve, and because it is a joy and privilege to give.”