Benefits eligibility for non-PC(USA) ministers

Non-PC(USA) ministers and the Formula of Agreement

Through A Formula of Agreement, ordained ministers in the following denominations may serve the PC(USA) in ministerial positions:

• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
  
• Reformed Church in America (RCA)
  
• United Church of Christ (UCC)
  

The implementation guidance of the Orderly Exchange of Ministers states:

“Since ministers remain members of their sending body, they continue to participate in the pension and benefits program of the sending church. The inviting church should therefore be expected to contribute to the minister’s pension and benefits program in keeping with the practices of the sending church.”

A member of one of the three Formula of Agreement partner denominations serving in a PC(USA) ministerial position should ordinarily remain in their home plan.

These ministers are eligible for enrollment in benefits through the Benefits Plan, including in the Covenant Package. They are not eligible for enrollment in the Congregational Pastors Package.

Non-PC(USA) ministers from other denominations

Ordained ministers of denominations with which there is no Formula of Agreement may participate in the Benefits Plan if they are employed by a PC(USA) congregation or PC(USA)-affiliated employer for 20 hours or more a week.

These ministers are eligible for enrollment in benefits, including in the Covenant Package. They are not eligible for enrollment in the Congregational Pastors Package.

Access to assistance and education programs

All non-PC(USA) ministers enrolled for benefits through the Benefits Plan gain access to Board of Pensions programs that cultivate wholeness:

• Lifelong Learning, supporting members at specific stages of their life, career, or ministry
• Assistance Program grants, providing financial assistance to eligible members

For further eligibility details, please review Administrative Rule 301.