New Support for Pastors and Families.

From Rev. Kristin Leucht

Senior Church Consultant, Board of Pensions

Greetings,

It’s hard to believe we are already well into Lent! Lent is a holy season — one of reflection and introspection. It is also an opportunity to anticipate and imagine God’s new future.

Two years ago, the Board of Pensions announced the Congregational Pastors Package as the new dues structure for congregational ministers. We are grateful for your partnership as we have implemented and lived into these changes. Aware that the new packages provided needed relief for some, but posed new challenges and concerns for others, the Board of Pensions made a commitment to finding additional ways to support the needs of the changing Church while keeping the sustainability of the Benefits Plan in mind.

During the virtual town hall we held Feb. 26, we discussed proposed subsidies to dues packages and updates to the Benefits Plan. We’re happy to share good news with you about important decisions that were made at the Board of Directors meeting March 7.

Support for congregations and pastors with children

An additional dues subsidy will be available to congregational pastoral leaders enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package to help alleviate the cost of dependent child medical coverage. Effective Jan. 1, 2027, the subsidy will cover 50% of the national, community-rated medical coverage cost of dependent children. This subsidy will reduce the flat rates for both the 2027 Child(ren) and Family coverage levels. Using the 2026 dues as an example, the cost of coverage for children is currently $829 per month (approximately $9,950/year). The subsidized monthly amount would be $414.50 (approximately $4,975/year) for Child(ren) and $1,435.50 (approximately $17,226/year) for Family. Congregations may share in the cost of dependent coverage.

Transitional Pastor’s Participation and its inherent subsidies will be extended through 2029, giving congregations and ministers already enrolled in this package two more years to transition to the Congregational Pastors Package.

Please know that the Board continues to monitor medical cost trends and will release the 2027 dues for the Congregational Pastors Package and Transitional Pastor’s Participation, including flat rates to cover dependent children, in July to ensure the most accurate rates.

The Medical Plan already provides subsidies for ministers in several ways, including offering dues as a percentage of salary rather than the actual cost of coverage. As stewards of the Benefits Plan, we balance rising healthcare costs with annual dues and reserves so that the plan remains financially stable. This article describes in more detail how we do that. You can also read about how we aim to control costs through coalition purchasing.

A new grant to support ministers with child care needs

Child Care Support is a new grant available through the Assistance Program that offsets a portion of child care needs for children ages 0-6 years. The initial pilot phase of this grant, effective April 1, 2026, will provide $500 per month per child and up to $1,500 per month per family. This grant supports ministers of the Word and Sacrament and commissioned pastors employed by PC(USA) congregations whose effective salary is $56,880 or less and who meet other eligibility requirements.

Additional Medical Plan options coming in 2027

Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, the Board of Pensions will offer three additional Medical Plan options for lay members and non-installed ministers who are not enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package or Transitional Pastor’s Participation. The three additional options include a second PPO, second EPO, and second HDHP and will have the same features as the existing options with different out-of-pocket costs. More details will be available in the summer. Ministers and dependents enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package or Transitional Pastor’s Participation will continue to be offered the Board’s current PPO option.

You can read about outcomes from the March Board of Directors meeting, including the experience apportionment for the Defined Benefit Pension Plan, on our website.

Important reminders

The Board of Pensions continues its collaboration with the Association of Mid Council Leaders (AMCL) in response to the 226th General Assembly (2024) call (item GAEC-28). Our two agencies gathered for discussion in January and hosted a joint virtual town hall Feb. 26. We look forward to our continued partnership with AMCL as we head into the 227th General Assembly. Read the joint statement from the Reverend Susan C. McGhee, President, AMCL, and Andrew J. Browne, Executive Vice President, Engagement & Church Relations, Board of Pensions.

The Board will be hosting the Benefits Regional Summits: Support for Congregational Leaders throughout April and May. These events are designed to support pastors, Personnel Committee chairs, and church business administrators in understanding approved updates and enhancements to the 2027 Benefits Plan. Registration is now open.

Thank you for all you do. I hope these days have been and continue to be holy time for you and those you serve. Please reach out if you have any questions.