About Church Benefits Organizations

Our member organizations provide retirement and welfare benefits to thousands (or, sometimes, tens of thousands) of ministers or rabbis and lay workers spanning across different faiths and ideologies. Although Church Alliance members serve denominations with diverse theological views and varied governance structures, they share a collective mission. Each organization works to care for those serving faith communities around the country, offering them peace of mind as they work hard to make a difference.

The Church Alliance doesn’t advocate for specific theological views, but instead advocates for the religious freedom and independence needed by our members to address the unique benefits needs of their religious leaders.

Church Benefits Plans Meet Unique Needs

In many denominations that have itinerant clergy moving from pulpit to pulpit, portability of benefits is an important issue. This means taking the faith anywhere there is need, without expecting church workers to endure uncertainty about their coverage. Not only that, but portability of coverage also allows denominations to meet the needs of different communities for clergy.

Religious leaders don’t typically have the same circumstances as their private sector counterparts. They often take on their role as a second career path and may be in an older, at-risk demographic. That’s why flexibility for the denomination is important. Church Benefits Organizations focus on creating plans that take care of their spiritual leaders, so the burden does not fall on the government.

Religious Leaders Are Community Leaders, Carrying Significant Responsibilities

A church, temple, or similar religious institution goes beyond being a place for worship. It also functions as a community support system. Its workers take on responsibilities that necessitate benefits meeting the demands on and unique needs of leaders wherever they serve, including access to quality mental health and wellness programs for self-care. This has become particularly important considering the increased stress and pressures church workers face because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Church Alliance Advocates on behalf of Church Benefits Organizations

The Church Alliance advocates for legislative and regulatory initiatives that address, protect, and support the distinct nature of church retirement plans and church health plans operated by Church Benefits Organizations. This allows the plans to continue to support clergy and lay workers as they do good work.

Contact us to learn more about this critical work.