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Pension Fund of the Christian Church

Employer-Sponsored Retirement Products

Overview

As a church plan, Pension Fund is able to offer flexible and worry-free retirement options for employers and their employees. Our team of Area Directors will meet with you to discuss your needs and help you get started.

Individual Savings & Retirement Products

Overview

Whether you’re just starting out or closer to retirement, choose from a variety of products to help you reach your retirement and savings goals.

Program Applicants

Ministerial Relief & Assistance

Our relief programs meet the evolving needs of new, active, and retired clergy and their families to ensure all ministers and lay workers can enjoy a strong, smart, secure retirement.

Supporters & Donors

Make An Impact with a Donation

Your gifts and financial support helps ministry workers in need bridge the unexpected from now until retirement (and beyond).

Resources

Overview

Discover planning and educational tools & resources to help you navigate your financial wellness journey.

For Members & Clergy

For Members

Guides, factsheets and resources to aid you on the Road to Financial Wellness.

For Clergy

Clergy-specific resources to support your call to ministry.

Retirement Readiness

Ready to retire soon? Get answers to common retirement questions to help you prepare for the next step.

For Employers

For Employers

Hiring tip sheets, tax guides and more to help you manage your employees' benefits.

Your Money Line

Pension Fund has partnered with Pete the Planner® to provide members with access to financial guides who will help answer your tough financial questions & online tools such as calculators and eLearning courses.

Stay Connected

Employer-Sponsored Retirement Products

Overview

As a church plan, Pension Fund is able to offer flexible and worry-free retirement options for employers and their employees. Our team of Area Directors will meet with you to discuss your needs and help you get started.

Individual Savings & Retirement Products

Overview

Whether you’re just starting out or closer to retirement, choose from a variety of products to help you reach your retirement and savings goals.

Program Applicants

Ministerial Relief & Assistance

Our relief programs meet the evolving needs of new, active, and retired clergy and their families to ensure all ministers and lay workers can enjoy a strong, smart, secure retirement.

Supporters & Donors

Make An Impact with a Donation

Your gifts and financial support helps ministry workers in need bridge the unexpected from now until retirement (and beyond).

Resources

Overview

Discover planning and educational tools & resources to help you navigate your financial wellness journey.

Your Money Line

Pension Fund has partnered with Pete the Planner® to provide members with access to financial guides who will help answer your tough financial questions & online tools such as calculators and eLearning courses.

Student Gift Membership

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The Student Gift Membership Program, established in 1953 as part of Pension Fund’s Ministerial Relief and Assistance Fund, is a unique opportunity designed to support and empower students preparing for ministry. This program provides eligible ministry students with early access to the Pension Plan. This initiative not only helps students start their financial journey toward a secure retirement but also introduces them to the benefits and values of the Pension Fund community. By participating, students can begin building a strong financial foundation for their future in ministry while gaining access to resources that promote long-term stability and growth.

WHY IS A STUDENT GIFT MEMBERSHIP IMPORTANT?

Pension Fund strongly believes that if clergy learn early in their career about finances – including the benefits of Pension Fund’s Pension Plan – they will have sufficient means of providing for their family in times of crisis, as well as in retirement.

KEY BENEFITS

  • Gift of up to $3,360 from Pension Fund into a Pension Plan account
  • Great head start on a pension and saving for retirement
  • Monthly retirement benefit for life*
  • Death and disability benefits
  • Special Apportionment Credits (when approved, these add to your pension credits)

* In order to receive your retirement benefit and remain in active status, pension dues must be continued within two years after receipt of diploma (either through an employer or self-payment).

Frequently Asked Questions

FREE. There is no cost to the student. The Student Gift Membership program pays dues ($70 per month) into the Pension Plan on behalf of the student - a potential total of $3,360.

  • Students affiliated with the Stone-Campbell (Restoration) Movement and;
  • Enrolled in at least 6 hours of an approved educational training program or graduate theological education program and under care of a Disciples of Christ region or in an undergraduate ministry program and participating in a formal ministry internship.
  • Students must apply each year to maintain their membership.
  1. Download and complete the Student Gift Membership Application below.
  2. Submit your completed application to mra@pensionfund.org.
  3. Your Pension Plan account will begin in the next month following approval of your application.

Student Gift Membership Program Application (English)

Student Gift Membership Program Application (Spanish)

Learn More About the Pension Plan

Visit Pension Plan Product Page
About

Hear From Student Gift Participants

"The Student Gift Membership program has been such a blessing as I pursue my ministry degree. It allowed me to start my participation to the Pension Plan early, even while I was still in school. Knowing that I’ve already begun saving for retirement gives me peace of mind and helps me stay focused on preparing for my calling. It’s a wonderful head start toward long-term financial security, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to set my future on a solid foundation."

"Being part of the Student Gift Membership program has been an incredible opportunity. Even as a student, I’ve been able to begin building a strong financial foundation for my future in ministry. Starting my retirement savings now not only helps me develop good financial habits but also ensures I’m prepared for the long-term needs of my calling. It’s encouraging to know that my future is being cared for even as I focus on my studies and spiritual growth."