Meet the Client Relations Team | Rev. Sarah Renfro

Professional Background and Pension Fund

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

I am Assistant Vice President of Client Relations, and I serve Georgia, Greater Kansas City, Illinois/Wisconsin, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mid-America, Nebraska, and the Upper Midwest regions.

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

I served local congregations in Kentucky and Indiana prior to joining the Pension Fund team in 2018. Over the course of my ministerial career, I served as Children, Youth & Family Minister, solo Pastor, and Associate Minister. I became a Pension Fund member as a student at Lexington Theological Seminary and was ordained in 2010. Prior to seminary, I worked as a professional international fashion model, photo double/stand-in, Staff Assistant for the University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball, and legal secretary in Beverly Hills.

What is your favorite thing about working at Pension Fund?

I love working directly with members, churches, schools, and organizations to determine how best Pension Fund can support their ministries. Sharing one’s financial story (talking about finances) is a vulnerable act, and I am privileged to be a listening ear, in essence, providing pastoral care. I do not judge or offer advice, but I can offer empathy and hopefully a path forward on their journey.

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

Don’t leave free money on the table! Ministerial students can get a head start on their retirement (even if retirement seems like a light year away). Complete the paperwork! When an employer-sponsored benefit is offered, take advantage of it and enroll! It’s that simple! The benefits that come with being a Pension Fund member, such as access to the Benefit Accumulation Account (BAA) and Your Money Line, provide long-term value beyond base interest rates. Peace of mind cannot be quantified.

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?

After hearing a heartbreaking story of family and financial loss, I was able to connect a member to both Your Money Line and Ministerial Relief & Assistance programs. In just a few months, I was told by the member, a local church pastor, that he felt “free” for the first time in years. With tears in his eyes, he said he was “able to make it,” and that “seeing funds in his account was such a relief.” When clergy feel supported and are able to claim their worthiness (feel it again or for the first time), their confidence increases, and they are better able to pastor their congregations. The ability to steward one’s own life creates a culture of generosity, growing the Kin-dom of God.

Preparing for General Assembly

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

I love the energy and seeing colleagues and members in person, some I have known for years, and others with whom I have only emailed. It is great to put faces with names.

Do you have any plans to explore Memphis? Where?

I hope to visit the National Civil Rights Museum and hear some great blues!

Four Fast Facts

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

I have been speaking and writing on embodiment and faith for over 20 years. I love to share how we are all made in the image of God, who calls each and every one of us “very good.” The diversity of creation, which includes humans, is holy and beautiful because of our differences. The “ideal beauty” that is portrayed in Hollywood and the media causes many of us to struggle with body image and identity. True beauty comes from God and within, and we are perfect just as we are.

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

My paternal granddad taught me how to tap dance.

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

I love making hot brown bites every year for Derby Day. Born and raised in Kentucky but living in Indiana means celebrating the first Saturday in May in style! The Hot Brown is an iconic dish from Louisville, and with a labor of love, I get to share the flavors of My Old Kentucky Home with friends in Fishers.

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

I would live anywhere there is a beach! I want to walk/run on the sand every morning, lay by the ocean every day (wearing lots of sunscreen and a hat), enjoy beautiful sunrises or sunsets depending on the coast, and listen to waves at night.