A significant change that was announced in 2024 were the changes to the dues structure of the Board of Pensions (BoP). In addition to expanding access to the pension program, the most significant of the changes were how dues would be calculated for minister members serving in installed congregational ministry positions, and the cost of covering dependents. For more information on the changes that took effect at the beginning of this year, visit the BoP’s Season of Rebuilding website.
For many years, the cost for the traditional Pastor’s Participation Plan that was required for all installed ministers was a percentage of the pastor’s total Effective Salary. Under the previous plan, the cost remained the same whether the coverage was solely for the minister member, or for the minister member and any number of dependents. In other words, it would cost the same to cover “Rev. Billie” who is single, without dependents as it would to cover “Rev. Alex,” who is married and has a child.
The change in dues structure was a significant shift from what the Pastors and churches were accustomed to and created a significant stir by some church leaders. In response to the BoP changes, the Synod of Lakes and Prairies brought forth an overture to the 226th assembly that sought to “alleviate the burden on small congregations and present options for medical coverage for pastoral leaders needing family, spousal, or child coverage.” The full overture can be read HERE.
The overture that was approved requested that the Association of Mid Council Leaders (AMCL) select 5 Mid Council Leaders that would work with the Board of Pensions on the issue. Though no immediate changes were made to BoP plan, the BoP leadership and the AMCL have opened communication with each other and had their initial meeting in late January to discuss a way forward. A series of meetings will continue throughout the year and we will continue to share information as it is made public.
For questions, contact our Church Consultant, Kristin Leucht or 267 815-1329.