The Guthries’ Story: How the Church Provided When a Courageous Choice Came With Great Sacrifice
In 1973, church leaders decided to take a courageous stand and form a new denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). But their decision would be costly, requiring them and their wives to forfeit the pensions earned while serving their former denomination. This was true for Fred and Shirley Guthrie when their doctrinal convictions led them to conclude that they needed to leave their denomination and align with the PCA.
The decision also meant leaving behind all their retirement savings. They were willing to sacrifice their future financial security to serve within a denomination that valued the Bible and Reformed faith.
The Guthries believed being faithful to the gospel was more important than their personal financial security. When the time for retirement came, God graciously provided them with an apartment to live in but the Guthries still faced a shortfall. They had the normal expenses every aging couple faces while limiting themselves to a simple lifestyle. But they didn’t have sufficient savings to last them throughout their retirement years.
This is not uncommon for pastors — ministry positions limit earning potential which results in limited savings, creating a financial gap in retirement. 50 years ago, the Relief Fund was created to help fill the gap for families like the Guthries.
“When I retired, I did not know about Ministerial Relief…and to just see that a gift for this certain amount has been awarded to us…”
The Guthries’ story reminds us that this is a churchwide effort. Following God’s call into vocational ministry often involves sacrifice. Together, we can help provide for ministers and widows in need. Your gifts will help pay for housing, food, doctor visits, prescriptions, utilities, and more so that the church can look after widows and others in need. Learn more and give at genevabenefits.org/lookafter.
“I want to thank you all for being faithful to your ministers. We pray for you and give thanks for you.” — Fred Guthrie
Geneva Benefits Group serves those who serve others, providing practical support for the financial, physical, and mental wellbeing of people who work in full-time ministry.
