Dues packages and incentive programs
The Board of Pensions offers dues packages and incentive programs to support congregations and ministries. Eligibility for congregational pastoral leaders to receive these benefits varies by program. Congregations and affiliate organizations may also offer individual benefits to congregational pastoral leaders and employees who meet eligibility requirements.
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Covenant Package
The Covenant Package offers income protection at an exceptional value that cannot be found elsewhere.
- Any employee working 20 hours or more per week may be eligible for this package, regardless of ordination status.
- This package includes the Defined Benefit Pension Plan; the Death and Disability Plan; the Temporary Disability Plan; and access to the Employee Assistance Plan, education programs, and the Assistance Program.
- Dues are 10% of effective salary, paid entirely by the congregation or employer.
Congregational Pastors Package
The Congregational Pastors Package is a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the wholeness of PC(USA) congregational pastoral leaders.
- The Congregational Pastors Package is required for installed pastors and may be offered to congregational pastoral leaders scheduled to work 20 hours or more weekly.
- This package provides Member-only PPO medical coverage for the congregational pastoral leader, plus all the income protection benefits included in the Covenant Package.
- Medical coverage for spouses and children may be offered, and congregations may pay all, some, or none of the cost.
- Dues are 16% of effective salary for Member-only PPO medical coverage, plus 10% of effective salary for income protection benefits (subject to minimum and maximum dues for medical coverage), paid entirely by the congregation.
Transitional Pastor’s Participation
Transitional Pastor’s Participation continues the noncontributory dues structure of Pastor’s Participation as a percentage of effective salary through Dec. 31, 2027, subject to cost increases.
- This package was available to congregational pastoral leaders in Pastor’s Participation as of Dec. 31, 2024.
- Dues are paid entirely by the congregation or employer and are a percentage of effective salary for medical coverage (33% for 2025), plus 10% of effective salary for other benefits.
Benefits Grants for Organizing Pastors and Evangelists
Benefits Grants for Organizing Pastors and Evangelists support the evangelism efforts of presbyteries planting churches and cultivating new ministries.
- These grants provide benefits support for up to five years as these organizing pastors and evangelists work to spread the gospel and develop new congregations.
- The minister must be employed by the presbytery in church job code 301 for no less than 20 hours per week and meet additional criteria.
- The cost to the presbytery for this coverage is free for the first three years, with a reduction through years four and five.
Learn more about Benefits Grants for Organizing Pastors and Evangelists
Shared Ministry Program
The Shared Ministry Program encourages PC(USA) congregations, through dues subsidies, to covenant to create sustainable pastoral positions.
- This program offers benefits support when two or more congregations partner to provide employment to one or more ministers.
- It is designed and supported through the importance of covenant agreements with all parties, including the presbytery, minister(s), partnered congregations, and the Board.
- Congregations receive a dues subsidy of the cost of pastoral benefits for five years.
- Ministers are enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package, the Covenant Package, Transitional Pastor's Participation, or Benefits Plan offerings, depending on position, benefits needs, and eligibility criteria.