SERVING PASTORS
& THEIR FAMILIES
Leading your church well begins at home. We know that being a pastor comes
with immense responsibilities and unique pressures—in fact, many of our team
are ordained ministers. Geneva takes care of you and your family. And by serving
you, we serve all who are in your circle of influence.
How we can help:
Financial Health
- Church-based retirement plans with special benefits for ministers
- Advice on navigating + structuring pastoral compensation
- Free consultations about personal and church finances
- Retirement planning from team of certified planners
Physical Health
- Insurance options that protect you and your family
- Financial assistance with health insurance when you’re in between calls
- Emergency relief when the unexpected happens
Emotional Health
- Access to Christian counseling and support
- Subsidized counseling for pastors’ wives
- Pastoral transition support (in between calls)
- Other wellbeing resources
“What you have done for me has been a gift to not only me but to our church because our transition [to retirement] has been more than just peaceful, it’s been joyful and a lot of that has to do with the peace of mind you gave me and my family… I will be forever grateful. “
Rev. Larry Ferris, Covenant Presbyterian Church Piedmont, South Carolina
Free call package support
Access your expert-prepared guidelines on well-designed call packages and pastoral compensation, made specifically for ministers.
FAQ
How are my retirement contributions invested?
You are automatically invested in an age-appropriate target-date fund. This is a diversified mix of investments that become more conservative as you near retirement. In addition, other more “DIY” options are available for the more experienced investor.
How much do you charge for financial and retirement planning?
It’s free. We are here to guide and help you in any way we can. We have a team of benefits specialists and financial planning advisors ready to serve you.
How much should I be saving for retirement?
It really depends. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow. But, it’s never too late to start saving! Our retirement readiness team would love to help you construct a plan to reach your goals.
How much life insurance do I need?
You need enough coverage to meet the needs of your survivors and should consider expenses such as a mortgage, raising children, and college. A general rule of thumb is to start with 10 times your annual income. Remember, the amount you need is always changing. A 35-year-old with a spouse and kids needs far more life insurance than a couple nearing their 60’s who are empty nesters.
What kind of retirement account do you offer?
We offer a 403(b)(9) retirement plan. Typically, a 401(k) is used in the for profit world, while a 403(b) is used in the non-profit world. Our retirement plan is a 403(b)(9) with special features for denominations and churches. One of the key features is housing allowance in retirement for ministers which provides a tremendous tax savings.
How are ordained ministers taxed?
Ordained ministers have a unique dual tax status. They are W-2 employees of a church or organization. Simultaneously, they are self-employed for Social Security tax purposes. In addition, ministers are able to exclude their housing allowance from federal and state taxation.
Will I receive housing allowance in retirement?
Retired ministers receive distributions as “eligible” for housing allowance from our 403(b)(9) retirement plan. Our board of directors issues an annual resolution authorizing housing allowance for retired ministers. The same housing allowance limits apply before and after retirement. Any distributions beyond your housing allowance are still taxable.
What is a call package consultation?
Our retirement planners consult with sessions and pastors in the building of a pastoral compensation or “call” package. We discuss the various elements such as housing allowance, retirement, insurance, SECA allowance, and taxes. A thoughtfully built call package helps to promote the well-being of a pastor and his family. A call package also allows a church to know they are lovingly and generously caring for their pastor. Click here to access more free resources from Geneva about well-designed call packages.
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