Sponsored Content from Geneva Benefits Group
Over fifty years ago, the first PCA General Assembly established a committee with an important task: to manage the retirement and benefits of the newly formed denomination and to develop a program to “meet the needs of the ministers and other workers in the church in an adequate manner.”
What began as the Insurance Annuity and Relief (IAR) Committee has grown into Geneva Benefits Group. Today, we serve over 11,000 pastors and ministry workers from more than 1,600 churches and ministries. We manage over $1 billion in retirement assets, and we’ve walked alongside thousands of pastoral families through every season of ministry.
After 50 years of serving pastors, here are 4 lessons we’ve learned.
1) Pastors Need to Be Fairly Compensated
Scripture exhorts churches to care for their pastors as they fulfill the work of their calling (1 Tim. 5:17-18). This is why Geneva developed comprehensive Call Package Guidelines for pastors, churches, and presbyteries. These guidelines help ensure that churches don’t just think of compensation as a lump-sum, but have clarity about how their compensation will be allocated for housing, retirement, insurance, taxes, and take-home pay.
“Reaching out to Geneva was a game-changer! As I prayed about a new call, I wondered whether the transition was financially feasible for our family… The numbers just did not seem like they could work! Geneva’s guidance helped me understand the need for a healthy call package… I’m so thankful for the ministry of Geneva!”
– Rev. Bryce Hales, Trinity Presbyterian Church
Visit here to learn more about Geneva’s Call Package Guidelines.
2) Pastors Need to Invest in Retirement
Over 70% of PCA pastors report that they are not confident they have enough saved for retirement. This strain can be heavy not only for pastors themselves but also for their spouses and family members.
This is why Geneva advocates for pastors and churches to invest in retirement savings. Our 403(b)(9) retirement plan is designed for ministry leaders, recognizing that church-based retirement requires thoughtful stewardship and specialized guidance. Retirement plan participants have access to consultations with our Financial Planning Advisors to discuss their financial situations at no additional cost. Set up a meeting today.
We are committed to providing the highest quality service to all retirement plan participants so they can live generously and flourish in every season of ministry. By partnering with industry-leading providers like Fidelity, retirement plan participants gain access to the tools and resources they need to set themselves up for financial wellness and success well beyond their working years.
“From the practical help with health insurance and general expenses to knowing they were praying … the staff of Geneva truly were the hands and feet of Christ to us. Thank you!”
– Rev. Jeff Birch, Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church
Visit here to learn more about Geneva’s Retirement Services.
3) Pastors Need Rest
Pastors bear the burden of being “always on.” They receive calls at night and on weekends, and wherever they go, they are seen in their pastoral role. For long-term wellbeing and sustainable ministry, pastors need seasons away from these demands.
This is why Geneva provides a host of sabbatical resources, pastoral cohorts, and other wellbeing services.
One recent sabbatical beneficiary found that “the best thing that came out of the sabbatical was learning how to rest well and at least begin the process of saying, OK, how do we incorporate regular rhythms of rest into our weeks and into our seasons?” Another discovered that, “No matter how much I think this church needs me to do everything. It’s God’s church, not mine.”
While sabbaticals provide crucial seasons of rest, pastoral ministry should never be done alone. Pastors need consistent community for support, accountability, and encouragement as they travel the long road of ministry.
Pastoral ministry is a unique calling that often intersects with life’s hardest moments. Our cohorts help pastors build supportive relationships, develop rhythms of rest and renewal, and navigate leadership challenges together. These connections are vital for long-term ministry health and resilience.
“God has hardwired rhythms of work and rest into creation. We need a band of brothers who serve as our safe harbor amid trials and act as our launching pad for gospel work.”
– Jon Medlock, VP of People & Culture
Visit here to learn more about Geneva’s sabbatical resources, pastoral cohorts, and other wellbeing services.
4) Pastors Need Help
Pastors and ministry workers faithfully serve and care for Christ’s church. Our research shows that many of them face significant financial and emotional stress during their working years and in retirement. It’s our duty to care for those who serve our churches.
The Relief Fund has served PCA pastors, widows, and ministry workers for more than 50 years, providing over $13 million in financial assistance to more than 2,000 pastors, widows, and ministry workers in need.
The Relief Fund is funded by individuals and churches to support the financial health and wellbeing of PCA ministry leaders and their families.
“If we do not take care of those who invest their lives in ministry to our church, our communities, our country, and the world, I believe we have failed. These folks sacrificed to further the Kingdom of Christ, and the Christian community has a responsibility to care for them.”
– Jim, Donor and PCA church member
Some of those individuals most in need are widows like Crystal, who was left in a difficult financial position after the sudden passing of her husband, Dan, a PCA pastor.
“There are literally no words to describe [being supported through the Relief Fund]. God decided to take Dan, but I felt that I was to just be still, because that’s all I could do… but that God would provide for me because I literally didn’t have anything.”
– Crystal
Through Survivor’s Assistance, every widow of a PCA pastor receives an immediate $1,000 gift. Through the Relief Fund, widows may apply for additional support covering groceries, housing, utilities, and medical bills. Last year alone, nearly 50% of monthly financial assistance awards supported widows of PCA pastors, and the need continues to grow. This season, your gift provides practical help and tangible hope for widows and ministry families across the PCA. Because the need is so great, our Board of Directors and a generous donor are providing up to $200,000 in matching funds to meet the needs of our PCA ministry families.
To donate, learn more, and read testimonies from the Relief Fund, visit https://genevabenefits.org/relief-fund/lookafter/ today!