PHILADELPHIA — Nearly eight years ago, The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) entered an era of transformation. The 221st General Assembly (2014) had elected a new class of directors to the agency’s board and confirmed the election of a new Board of Pensions president. Today, those directors are near the end of their terms. They were celebrated at the Board of Directors meeting March 10-12.
Like most people, the Rev. Meg Shoeman subscribed to the myth that clergy are superhuman.
“People tend to think if you’re in ministry in some capacity that you’re probably fine and you don’t have any needs,” said Shoeman, “but we’re all human and needs do arise.”
Just as they did for her.
The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has announced the most extensive changes to the Assistance Program in a generation. The changes steer financial help to ministers where their need is greatest and loosen requirements to extend access across Benefits Plan membership. The changes take effect January 1, 2022.
Too many ministers were missing out on the unique financial protection of the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). And not enough were eligible for Board of Pensions education and assistance programs. So, in 2020, the Board introduced a second benefits package for ministers: Minister’s Choice.
The Board Bulletin is published after each regular meeting of the Board of Directors of The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and represents key information and actions taken that affect plans and programs administered by the Board of Pensions.
The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has announced changes to the church Benefits Plan that extend support to more ministers and add benefits that promote financial protection for all church workers.
The changes, effective January 1, 2021, are the most substantial since the plan redesign of 2017.