Association of Mid Council Leaders, Board of Pensions continue to explore collaboration encouraged by General Assembly

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Representatives from the Association of Mid Council Leaders (AMCL) and the Board of Pensions gathered in April in a spirit of hope, openness and eagerness for our second meeting to explore how we could collaborate on helping small congregations and pastors with family coverage, as encouraged by the 226th General Assembly (2024) in item GAEC-28.

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During the meeting we heard stories of how changes to the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) affected ministers, congregations and mid councils, and we reviewed research led last year by Research Services on behalf of AMCL to support engagement around GAEC-28. While flexibility and choice created a positive outcome for congregations served by ministers whose circumstances require member-only medical coverage, those served by ministers who need family coverage experienced the changes negatively. Although both the Congregational Pastors Package and Transitional Pastor’s Participation subsidize coverage for lower-paid members, together we recognized that the Benefits Plan changes accelerated some of the challenges the denomination faces, particularly among the most financially vulnerable churches.

The Board of Pensions discussed enrollment numbers for the Benefits Plan effective Jan. 1, 2025, both the dues package employers chose (Congregational Pastors Package or Transitional Pastor’s Participation) and the elections ministers made for themselves and dependents. We also reviewed the subsidies that currently exist within the dues packages for medical coverage; potential future subsidies for certain groups, such as small churches and ministers with families; and possible methods for reducing dues for medical coverage. Finally, we discussed the broad availability of assistance and education resources provided to those enrolled for benefits and potential new grants through the Assistance Program that could help minister members, particularly those with families.

It is with sensitivity, understanding, and a shared commitment to the Church that AMCL and the Board of Pensions will continue to partner in responding to General Assembly’s call. We plan to meet again later this year, after additional data has been gathered.

Peace,

The Rev. Susan C. McGhee
Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Ohio Valley
President, Association of Mid Council Leaders

Andrew J. Browne
Executive Vice President, Engagement and Church Relations
The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Mid council representatives
The Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, Transitional Leader, Synod of the Northeast; Past President, AMCL
The Rev. Dr. Craig Howard, Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Chicago
The Rev. Dr. Brad Munroe, Presbytery Pastor, Grand Canyon and de Cristo presbyteries
The Rev. Susan C. McGhee, Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Ohio Valley; President, AMCL
Ruling Elder Maureen Wright, Transitional General Presbyter and Stated Clerk, West Virginia Presbytery

Board of Pensions management representatives
Andrew J. Browne, Executive Vice President, Engagement and Church Relations
Monica Buonincontri, Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Patricia M. Haines, Executive Vice President, Chief Benefits Officer
Todd Ingves, Vice President, Health & Well-Being
Kelly Riley, Executive Vice President, Plan Operations
The Rev.  Dr. Frank Clark Spencer, President
Vivian D. Wesson, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary

Board of Pensions Board of Directors representatives

The Rev.  Jeremy T. Campbell
Fred Gamble
The Rev. Joey Lee
The Rev. Sarah Moore-Nokes
S. Bradley Perkins, Esq.
The Rev. Fernando Rodríguez