Meet the Client Relations Team | Rev. Jonathan Beckham-Brink

Professional Background and Pension Fund

What is your job title? What territories do you serve?

I am an Area Director serving the Regions of Arizona, Pacific Southwest, Northern California-Nevada, Oregon/SW Idaho, Northern Lights, & Central Rocky Mountains.

What career path brought you to Pension Fund? Do you mind sharing more about your professional background?

I served in the congregational setting of the church for about 20 years before coming to Pension Fund. I started with Music Ministry and Mission work overseas before I went to seminary and pursued ministry as a career path. Having served in just about every position you can in the church (camp ministry, missions, music, youth, education, associate and senior minister), I have immense respect for each person I serve in my role at Pension Fund.

What is your favorite thing about working at Pension Fund?

I love helping and teaching the people I serve to better understand the many ways that Pension Fund walks alongside them on their journey.

What do you wish every member knew about Pension Fund or our products and programs?

There are more ways than one that Pension Fund walks alongside our members. Do you need some financial advice? Call Your Money Line. Want to do more than the Pension Plan? Start with a TDRA 403(b)/Roth 403(b) or an IRA. Need some help in a difficult situation? Contact our Ministerial Relief and Assistance team. Looking for a better savings account? Sign up for the BAA. Looking for connection, rest, and rejuvenation? Attend our Ministers' Retreat. There’s so much to know, and our Client Relations Team wants to make sure you know all the ways we serve you, the members!

At Pension Fund, our mission is “For the Support of Ministry,” in your time at Pension Fund, do you have a moment or story of serving out our mission that has impacted you in a important or meaningful way?

I’m not sure I could simplify this to one experience. It’s a weekly, if not daily, experience that I hear a story about ministry happening across the territory I serve. Sometimes, I get to be a part of that ministry for a moment. It’s an honor to support our members, and I’m continually humbled by the great ministries so many of them carry out daily.

Preparing for General Assembly

What are you most looking forward to about General Assembly this year?

I am looking forward to spending time at the Pension Fund booth! Our team is so much fun to be around, and I just enjoy working with my colleagues. And I know that I’ll get to see so many friends, meet new folks, and have some fruitful conversations at the booth as people stop by.

Do you have any plans to explore Memphis? Where?

Memphis is a city of music! As a musician myself, how could I skip going by Beale Street? I hope to have some meaningful time listening to some good soul and jazz music while there. My heart will soar listening to some good live music.

Four Fast Facts

If you gave a 10-minute TED Talk today, what would it be about?

Wow. Tough question. It might depend on the day you ask me! I’m a bit of a nerd and enjoy learning. So I’ve amassed a bunch of useless knowledge that is, inevitably, never included in a trivia game either. But, as of this moment, I’d probably want to provide a Ted Talk on either “The Predisposition of Your Emotions Generated by Music” or “Real Talk: The Impact of Skipping Chit Chat and Diving Deep.”

What is one surprising fact others might not know about you?

I used to be tall! I'm just kidding. I’m not sure anything would be a surprise, but I was an athlete in high school. I swam and played baseball, but I also played every eligible sport at my middle school.

What is your favorite thing to eat and/or cook and why?

My wife, Sara, and I love to cook! My favorite recipes are simple but fun stuff. Holiday baking is the best, but if it’s just one item, we bake bread pretty much year-round in our home.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Easiest question so far! Hands down, Ireland. I have Irish heritage and visited there a few years back. Everything there felt like I was at home: The food, the culture, the people, the lush green land, the music, and the jovial nature of the local pubs. The best compliment I’ve ever been given was when I accidentally bumped into someone in a pub and said, “Sorry,” only to have them respond, “Ah, it’s okay, you’re a local!” Had a good chat with the lad for another half hour, keeping my wife waiting for the beverages I had been sent to get in the first place.