• an older woman embracing an older man on a couch
  • happy couple
  • a middle aged woman and man reading on a couch in a nice house
  • a group of men and women in a group circle outside

    • A Season of Rebuilding

    At the Board of Pensions, we are committed to assessing and restructuring the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to meet the needs of a changing Church and to serve the most people possible. Approximately 30 percent of ministers ordained since 2007, the very people the plan is meant to embrace, are not enrolled in the Benefits Plan, with women representing 63 percent of those not covered through the Board. Small congregations, where resources are scarce, are also affected, with this being particularly true for African American churches, only 20 percent of which have installed pastoral leadership. These numbers highlight the need for solutions. As we enter this season of rebuilding, our goal is to make the necessary changes to provide greater flexibility and cost control for congregations as they care for the well-being of their pastoral leadership. Our vision is for all ministers ordained in the PC(USA) to be plan members.

    ddsadas

    63%

    of newly ordained ministers not enrolled in the Benefits Plan from 2007 to 2021 are women.

    church

    30%

    of small congregations (150 members or fewer) have installed pastoral leadership.

    people

    20%

    of African American churches have installed pastoral leadership.

    Guided by Values and a Commitment to Inclusion

    We are committed to a Benefits Plan structure that aligns with the diverse and evolving needs of the Church while serving the most people possible. We want to create flexible options that are more inclusive, allowing more people — especially those who have been traditionally excluded — to have access to benefits that support well-being.

    Engaging the Church

    In the months ahead, we are committed to listening to our community of faith. If you’d like to share your thoughts with us during a live virtual town hall in the coming months, let us know. We want to hear from you. 

    Complete the Interest Form

    Season of rebuilding: A report

    The Board of Pensions has met with over 200 mid council, congregational, and pastoral leaders on the season of rebuilding initiative. This report is intended to update the wider denomination on this important effort, taken in collaboration with the Church, to assess and redesign the Benefits Plan to better meet the needs of local congregations.

    Read the Report
    "Reformed and always reforming - that's the way we serve the needs of a changing Church." - The Reverend Dr. Frank Clark Spencer

    The economics and ecclesiology that support the season of rebuilding initiative include minister compensation, programs for sustainable pastoral ministry, and the need for structural change. Dr. Spencer’s doctoral research found that the primary factor driving clergy compensation — the adoption of the U.S. corporate model — has resulted in an inability to support ministers in congregational settings.

    Read More

    How do we work together to ensure that every minister ordained in the PC(USA), regardless of installation status, has access to the Benefits Plan?

    Share Your Feedback
    three middle aged women and two middle aged men walking and laughing in a meadow

    About Us

    Explore the Board of Pensions’ history, learn about our connection to the Church, and meet key team members.

    About Us