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Pension Fund Board Meets, Finalizes 2025 – 2027 Strategic Plan Read the Full Press Release

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.

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

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Every November, the United States celebrates Native American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American communities. The origins of this month-long celebration date back to the early 20th century, with advocates like Dr. Arthur Caswell Parker (a Native American archaeologist, historian, folklorist, museologist, and noted authority on Native American culture) calling for greater recognition of Native American experiences. Initially, it began as a week-long celebration in 1986, known as “American Indian Week,” before being expanded to a full month in 1990. 

Native American Heritage Month serves as an important reminder of the resilience and enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples. It is a time to honor their traditions, languages, and stories, ensuring that these vital aspects of their heritage continue to thrive for future generations. It is also a time to acknowledge violence against Indigenous communities that created economic challenges facing many members of the community today, especially the clergy.

The historical reality of the economic exploitation of Native communities is explored by Dr. Lisa D. Barnett in her upcoming book, Peyote Politics: The Making of the Native American Church (available now for pre-order). Dr. Barnett serves as co-Moderator of the Center for Indigenous Ministries (CIM). In a time when the voices of Indigenous communities often go unheard and unseen, the CIM stands as a beacon of hope, support, and education. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliated organization is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples across North America. 

Native American Retirement

Native American communities and pastors face significant challenges when it comes to retirement, given the economic exploitation of their communities. Many Native American pastors serve in rural or under-resourced communities where compensation is modest. On average, American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) have lower retirement incomes compared to other racial groups. For instance, the mean annual retirement income for AIAN individuals is significantly lower than that of their white and black counterparts. This disparity is partly due to lower average wages and higher disability rates among AIAN populations, which reduce the amount of future income available through pensions, savings, and Social Security. Additionally, older AIAN individuals often report lower levels of education, income, and employment, as well as limited access to healthcare. *

These factors contribute to economic insecurity and make it difficult for many Native Americans to achieve a stable and comfortable retirement. Additionally, the cultural importance of community and spiritual leadership means that many Native American pastors continue to serve well into their later years, often without a formal retirement plan. Efforts to support Native American pastors in planning for retirement are crucial to ensure they can retire with dignity and financial stability. 

Pension Fund of the Christian Church is here to support ALL Restoration Movement pastors on their journey from seminary to retirement, and beyond.  With our Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Accessibility initiative, we strive to serve all those who serve around the U.S. and Canada.

*https://www.ssa.gov/policy/doc...;    

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