A guide to lifelong learning in 2026

PHILADELPHIA — Every member of the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) can take part in the Board of Pensions’ Lifelong Learning programs. In 2026, members will find new and enhanced opportunities to participate in programs that support the journey toward spiritual, health, financial and vocational well-being.

“The Education team continues to expand our offerings as we seek to support our members and employers,” said the Rev. Lori Neff LaRue, Vice President, Education at the Board of Pensions. “We are mindful of the myriad stressors of our current time, including an evolving health care landscape, and strive to equip those we serve to leverage the Benefits Plan for wholeness.” 

Below is a glance at the offerings ahead. Most are open to any member and offered at no cost. See registration information for these and other Lifelong Learning opportunities. 

Support for ministers

The Rev. Dr. Michael Wilson, Director, Education for the Arc of Ministry, will present a webinar June 8 to help ministers with sabbatical planning. A new six-week online course exploring foundational practices for flourishing in ministry will be piloted for recently ordained pastors in September and October.

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“The Board wants ministers to thrive — at all stages of their lives and ministries,” said Wilson, who is leading an expansion of the popular CREDO conference. In 2027, the Board will begin to offer ministers up to three CREDO experiences throughout their ministry, seven to 10 years apart. Conferences planned for 2026 include a CREDO for eligible ministers who serve in validated ministries beyond the congregation, Oct. 26-Nov. 2. 

Church consultants continue to offer First Call, First Steps at seminaries and online. This program equips seminarians and graduates who are under care to covenant calls with congregations or negotiate compensation packages with other employers. 

Financial well-being

Jacqueline Boersema, Director, Financial Education, will present a financial wellness webinar series for women in April, Women and Money: Claiming Your Financial Future Series. “Women face unique financial challenges throughout their lives,” Boersema said. “We’ve designed this series to help them gain the insights they need to make confident, informed decisions.”

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Boersema will also host an August webinar on leveraging the disability benefits that provide income protection and financial security. “The Board’s disability coverage provides critical support when a member becomes disabled and is unable to work,” she said. “This webinar is an opportunity for both employers and members to deepen their understanding of how and why to use disability benefits, including for temporary disability.”

Transitioning to retirement

A retirement planning retreat will be piloted Aug. 28-30 in the Appalachians for people who are three to five years from retiring. “We recognize that many of our members are unable to attend our weekday THRIVE seminars and believe there will be individuals and couples who will welcome the opportunity to focus on transitioning into this next season of their life surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains,” Neff LaRue said.

Preparing for this life transition is also the focus of the virtual Retirement Conversations, for people within a year or two of retirement, and THRIVE, offered both online and in person, for those who are up to 10 years out.

Wholeness for all

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The Rev. Dr. Regina Groff, Director, Education for Wholeness, is continuing her Restorative Conversations series, with Setting Healthy Boundaries scheduled for Sept. 10. She also leads the virtual and interactive Well-Being Wednesdays, with A Woman’s Worth: Compensation and Empowerment set for March 18  and sessions around mental and physical health planned for May and October. As the journey toward wholeness is lifelong, this fall Groff will lead the in-person Third Act Seminar & Luncheon for retired members, exploring loneliness and the power of connection.

“As with all Lifelong Learning programs, these offerings provide a place to pause, learn, reframe, and connect,” Groff said. “They are opportunities for both members and employers to break away from their daily routines and experience renewal through conversation with others.” 

The Board of Pensions supports wholeness in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) community and care for Benefits Plan members. For information, contact [email protected].