BRI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SUMMARY OF WORK

1. Health and Wellness: Our members and their churches experienced an average 6.0% health plan premium rate increase for calendar 2025. This increase marks a trend of lower-than-market premium increases over time for our plan. Since 2019, premiums have increased by an average of just 5.4% per year. This continues to be well below the medical care cost inflation and lower than other commercial health plan increases.

2. Retirement Plan: Plan Growth. EPC Retirement plan participation continues to grow, with 2,582 participants currently in our plan. The plan is open to all clergy and non-clergy staff. Participation has grown by 350 members since October 2020.

3. Participation Overview: Over 2,500 active clergy, staff, and retirees participate in the EPC 403(b)(9) Church Retirement plan. Approximately 2,900 employees and their dependents were enrolled in medical benefit plans provided by EPC Benefit Resources as of March 2025. In 2025, several new churches joined the plan.

4. Medical Plan Options: To accommodate the varying needs of EPC member churches and staff, 5 medical plans are offered: Platinum, Gold, and Silver POS Plans, plus Gold and Bronze High Deductible Health Plans with Health Savings Account options. The variety of Plan offerings provide our churches with a range of premium and participant cost sharing levels to choose from.

5. Financial Strength: Premiums increased an average of 6.0% in 2025 with minimal changes in copays or deductibles. Our Medical Plan has a very solid financial foundation, assuring us that our members’ medical expenses will be covered. The EPC maintains stop loss insurance and is holding over $5.8 million in reserves as protection against catastrophic claims.

6. General Plan Operations and Administration: Annual Audit. EPC Benefit Resources, Inc. financial statements are audited annually by the independent accounting firm Batts, Morrison, Wales, and Lee, Certified Public Accountants. The audited statements are presented to the BRI Board and to the General Assembly. • Expert Advisors. Advice and counsel are provided through membership in the Church Benefit Association, Church Alliance, and use of legal counsel, actuarial, and consultants specializing in Retirement Plan and Benefits Administration.

7. High-Cost Medical Events. Again, in 2024, twenty-two individuals covered by our plan incurred over $100,000 each in medical costs. Many require medications costing more than $5,000 per month. A crucial role of the EPC BRI plan is to protect members, so that a health crisis does not also become a financial crisis. Thank God, the resources of our plan, made possible by the members and churches who participate in our plan, were there for these families. We encourage our members to utilize tools for the prevention and early detection of serious health conditions to ensure prompt attention and early treatment is received.

8. Improved Pharmacy Benefit. In 2024, BRI partnered with BeneCard PBF for administration of pharmacy benefits, enhancing our benefit offering. Many processes were put in place during the implementation to ensure a smooth transition for members and their families with active prescriptions. Members now have access to records via the BeneCard website or by calling 888-907-0070. Other services include personalized care to assist with use of multiple or expensive medications for our members with chronic or serious health conditions. This includes seeking out manufacturer and other cost subsidy programs to reduce out of pocket costs.

RECOMMENDATIONS

45-28 That ordained ministers drawing retirement income from the EPC 403(b)(9) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan be allowed to designate up to 100% of their retirement income for housing allowance as permitted by applicable regulations adopted pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.

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WORK OF THE COMMITTEE

EPC Benefit Resources, Inc. (BRI) continues to advance the mission to improve the health and well-being of our pastors, lay staff team members, and their families in Christian ministry so they can better serve the greater mission to fulfill the Great Commission.

We provide a complete suite of benefits designed to meet the specific needs of churches and plan participants at competitive premiums. Most importantly, benefit offerings are of our own design reflecting EPC Values, and BRI serves as a fiduciary on behalf of participating members. We offer 5 medical-plan options ranging in richness and premium levels to accommodate the budgetary requirements of our churches.

Many of our members have pressing health challenges. To support the overall health and well-being of our membership, every Plan includes a robust menu of free clinical care and wellness programs to accommodate the unique health needs and goals of our members. Additionally, we provide access to life and disability insurance, vision, and dental insurance as well as a pre-tax Health Savings Account (HSA) offering to meet out-of-pocket medical expenses and plan deductibles.

For retirement planning, all EPC employees can participate in our 403(b)(9) Retirement Plan. The plan allows all EPC ordained ministers and staff engaged in ministry to participate. A unique benefit for ordained pastors….the Plan permits retirement funds used to pay housing expenses to be exempt from federal income tax.

We have been focused and diligent in our mission of providing competitive benefit plans, maintaining plan and price stability, encouraging participants to engage in living healthy lifestyles, and achieving above benchmark performing retirement plan returns.

In pursuing the mission of EPC Benefit Resources, Inc., we humbly submit the following annual report of the benefit plans, activities, results for the past year and highlights for the future. We look forward to serving the EPC to advance health, well-being and financial security for our pastors, staff, and families in the year ahead.

Health and Wellness: Caring for the Body, Mind & Spirit

• Competitive Premiums. Our members and their churches experienced an average 6.0% health plan premium rate increase for calendar 2025. This increase marks a trend of lower-than-market premium increases over time for our plan. Since 2019, premiums have increased by an average of just 5.4% per year. This continues to be well below the medical care cost inflation, and lower than other commercial health plan increases.

We achieve these savings by constantly searching for ways to reduce costs and eliminate wasteful spending without compromising our participant experience or reducing benefits. In fact, we continue to add new and different benefit plan offerings to our plan.

As an example, in 2024 we partnered with BeneCard, a pharmacy benefit manager, to administer our prescription drug benefit. In doing so, we improved the benefit offering, allowing participants to utilize their local pharmacy or the mail pharmacy of choice for long-term maintenance medications and removed the co-pay differential. Furthermore, we eliminated over $1.0 million in wasteful pharmaceutical spending while enhancing our participant experience and maintaining the benefit offering.

• Health Status. The wellness profile of EPC members continues to reveal pressing health status challenges and opportunities for improved health and well-being. These health challenges impact the joy of life and risk of future medical episodes, such as cancer, diabetes, chronic joint pain, heart conditions, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

We have members engaged in several health and clinical care programs that address these pressing health concerns and hold promise for restoring health to our members. These programs are profiled in this report, are all provided free of charge as part of our plan offering and are designed to improve health and well-being, to feel better, get better, and be better. Recently added new benefits include pastoral spousal care, member healthcare navigation, and technology-based pain management. Plan members struggling with heart and kidney disease now have easy-to-access programs to improve health.

• Mind & Spirit. BRI is collaborating with the Office of General Assembly (OGA) on strategies to support our ministerial members to enhance mind and spirit health and well-being. In 2024, enrolled members experienced positive results from these services. Now in 2025, we are adding additional support through medical benefits focused on the mental and emotional well-being of our pastors’ wives.

• EPC Church Participation. As a self-insured medical plan, the more participants in the plan, the more benefits we can offer to members. We share in each other’s medical costs. Yet, several EPC churches still do not participate in the EPC medical plan. Currently, our participation is at approximately 50% of EPC churches. We are better together in unity. There is strength in numbers.

As we approach benefit decisions for 2026 this summer, we strongly encourage all churches to consider participating in our Medical Plan to support one another in ministry. “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Call today. As your church begins to evaluate health benefits coverage for 2026, engage with the BRI team now to discover how the EPC plan can best support your congregation and the broader EPC mission.

Retirement Plan:

• Tax Advantages. The EPC Plan is a 403(b)(9) Defined Contribution “Church” Plan, and as such, ordained ministers retain the ability to claim up to 100% of their annual Plan withdrawals used for housing expenses as federal income tax-free even into retirement.

• Plan Growth. EPC Retirement plan participation continues to grow, with 2,582 participants currently in our plan. The plan is open to all clergy and non-clergy staff. Participation has grown by 350 members since October 2020.

• Investment Performance. The selection of funds available in our Plan, performance and fees are constantly monitored by our Board and professional Plan Consultant to ensure members’ investments continue to grow through changing times. Our Funds have consistently performed at growth levels equal to or better than their benchmarks.

• Financial Planning Advice. Members are encouraged to take advantage of free consultations with Fidelity Investment Advisors and to utilize numerous available web-based educational resources. These are available through each participant’s account log-in on Fidelity’s NetBenefits webpage.

• Compliance and Plan Enhancement: Retirement Plan administration is regulated by the federal government. BRI utilizes numerous professional resources and an internal Compliance Plan to stay on track with regulatory requirements. As recent legislation has expanded the availability for emergency withdrawals before age 59½ BRI has added new options. Other enhancements will be added over the next few years as permitted by recent “Secure Act” legislation.

General Plan Operations and Administration:

• Annual Audit. EPC Benefit Resources, Inc. financial statements are audited annually by the independent accounting firm Batts, Morrison, Wales, and Lee, Certified Public Accountants. The audited statements are presented to the BRI Board and to the General Assembly.

• Expert Advisors. Advice and counsel are provided through membership in the Church Benefit Association, Church Alliance, and use of legal counsel, actuary, and consultants specializing in Retirement Plan and Benefits Administration.

• Participation is Critical to the Body. The BRI Office and Office of the Stated Clerk often receive inquiries regarding the requirements for participation in EPC Benefit Plans as mandated by the Acts of Assembly.

The Acts reference the intent that all benefits-eligible EPC Ordained Ministers and all benefits-eligible church staff are to be provided with medical coverage through the denominational medical plan administered by BRI. Although there are many Acts that reference EPC medical and retirement programs, Act 81-04 mandates participation of EPC ministers, and Act 84-08 mandates benefit-eligible ministers and lay employees’ participation in the denominational plan. This requirement has been repeatedly affirmed by the General Assembly.

Participation & Engagement Overview

Participation. Over 2,500 active clergy, staff, and retirees participate in the EPC 403(b)(9) Church Retirement plan. Approximately 2,900 employees and their dependents were enrolled in medical benefit plans provided by EPC Benefit Resources as of March 2025. The chart below shows that employee enrollments (without dependents) in our Health and Life benefit plans have been stable over the past 5 years. In 2025, several new churches joined the plan.

Medical/Rx Benefits

The EPC Medical Plan is OUR plan, not a plan we adopted from an insurance company. What is covered under the plan is established and guided by the EPC, and importantly, services and medications that run counter to our beliefs are not covered.

CALL TODAY. It is not too early to review the benefits of joining the EPC plan for 2026. When you return from GA, encourage your church leaders and Session to engage with EPC Benefit Resources to learn about our Plans, rates, and member health and wellness programs. When all join together, the entire body becomes stronger.

Medical Plan Options. To accommodate the varying needs of EPC member churches and staff, 5 medical plans are offered: Platinum, Gold, and Silver POS Plans, plus Gold and Bronze High Deductible Health Plans with Health Savings Account options. The variety of Plan offerings provides our churches with a range of premium and participant cost-sharing levels to choose from.

Financial Strength. Premiums increased an average of 6.0% in 2025 with minimal changes in copays or deductibles. Our Medical Plan has a very solid financial foundation, assuring us that our members’ medical expenses will be covered. The EPC maintains stop loss insurance and is holding over $5.8 million in reserves as protection against catastrophic claims.

High-Cost Medical Events. Again, in 2024, twenty-two individuals covered by our plan incurred over $100,000 each in medical costs. Many require medications costing in excess of $5,000 per month. A crucial role of the EPC BRI plan is to protect members, so that a health crisis does not also become a financial crisis. Thank God, the resources of our plan, made possible by the members and churches who participate in our plan, were there for these families. We encourage our members to utilize tools for the prevention and early detection of serious health conditions to ensure prompt attention and early treatment is received.

Virtual Care Option. Members have 24/7 access through the medical Plan’s virtual care option provided by “98point6”. This provides a convenient alternative to visiting a doctor or urgent care facility at no cost or only $8 (for HDHP participants). A physician is available for the visit and prescriptions can be issued. EPC members who accessed the service in 2024 rated 4.8 out of 5, noting high satisfaction. Visit the EPC Benefits website for more information.

National Provider Network. Our medical benefit is administered through Meritain Health, utilizing the Aetna Choice POS II national provider network. Service representatives from Meritain Health are available to assist EPC Plan participants. On average, the more than 300 calls a month from EPC members were answered within 27 seconds, and our members report that 98.14% of the time, their reason for calling is resolved on the first call. Members who have questions or experience difficulties can call Meritain at 800-925-2272. For additional assistance of issue resolution, Members have access to our BRI team for assistance through our call center at 407-930-4492.

Improved Pharmacy Benefit. In 2024, BRI partnered with BeneCard PBF for the administration of pharmacy benefits, enhancing our benefit offering. Many processes were put in place during the implementation to ensure a smooth transition for members and their families with active prescriptions. Members now have access to records via the BeneCard website or by calling 888-907-0070. Other services include personalized care to assist with the use of multiple or expensive medications for our members with chronic or serious health conditions. This includes seeking out manufacturers and other cost subsidy programs to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Member Eligibility Platform. BRI transitioned to a new enrollment/eligibility/billing administrator effective January 1, 2025, with the intention of enhancing services to church benefit administrators and plan participants. They now have direct access to their information through the MyEnroll portal. Administrators have direct access to billing information or to update participant information. To date, more than 430 administrators are enrolled with online access, and 130 churches are taking advantage of the automated ACH option for premium remittances.

Member Health – Wellness and Member Care Focus; Body, Mind & Spirit

Your health and that of your family are of critical importance to the BRI Board and the Office of General Assembly and are our top priority. Your overall health – body, mind, and spirit – directly impacts the very joy of living to glorify Christ, the care of our families, and the work of caring for and leading EPC congregations in sharing the gospel!

Member health analytics (de-identified health claims data) from our EPC congregation participants provide valuable insight on the current health of our members, hopefully leading to member changes to enhance and restore health and well-being:

• Basic Preventative Care. Annual physicals, bloodwork, or other age/gender appropriate health screenings continue to be the best way for our members to proactively manage their health. Unfortunately, less than 80% of our participants take advantage of the services available to them through their EPC medical plan participation. Early detection and treatment of conditions is critical to mitigating more complex health challenges that have the potential to change your life.

• Mind & Spirit. Similar to the general population, our EPC members also struggle with mental health conditions from the stress of ministry demands and balancing family and personal life. In 2024, 26% of our members were receiving treatment for either stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, or behavioral health-related conditions, a 2% increase from the previous year. This continues to show that our members are willing to access care and are engaged in regular therapy and coaching meetings, head-on, to face the challenges of life to restore the joy of life.

• Chronic Conditions. The percentage of our members struggling with chronic conditions continues to grow along with national trends. Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancers, and digestive diseases continue to be prevalent conditions among our plan membership, often occurring at a higher rate than in the general public. We encourage all EPC members with one or more of these conditions to follow up with annual medical visits to your PCP, recommended health screenings and treatments, and to utilize our health and wellness programs. Clinical evidence over time is compelling: Early detection saves lives and provides a significant opportunity for a more improved lifestyle.

To assist members, BRI offers programs that provide additional assistance and practical resources to participants. For example, our Nurse Health Coaching program provides education and support to participants with health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic pain, arthritis, high cholesterol, asthma, and various lung, heart, and kidney diseases.

• New Enhanced Services. In addition to our existing member health and wellness programs, we added several new programs for 2025, including:

Personalized Care Navigation, in partnership with Pinnacle Health, provides Advisors offering one-on-one support to help you manage your health. Once you start working with a Care Advisor, you’ll always talk to the same person, maintaining a relationship with someone who knows you. They assist with scheduling care, exploring treatment options, second opinions for serious diagnoses, or simply answering questions you may have about procedures or surgeries.

Pain Management through Hinge Health offers virtual physical therapy at no additional cost to you. This benefit is yours to access immediately. There are no copays or surprise costs. If you are struggling with joint or muscle pain, our program can help you get relief. On average, Hinge Health participants reduce their pain by 68%. Experts help you develop a personalized exercise program you can do at home or on the go. Exercises are designed by a licensed physical therapist to target and relieve your pain.

Kidney Care & Heart Care through Sun Life Clinical 360+

Kidney Care 360 focuses on identifying and managing risks related to chronic kidney disease, offering tailored interventions to improve patient outcomes.
Heart Care 360 similarly addresses cardiovascular health, providing guidance and resources to help members effectively manage their heart conditions.

o Pre-Admission and Post Discharge Counseling Program, in partnership with Meritain Health, supports reduced unnecessary hospital stays, lower costs, and improved recovery. Case managers support you in advance of elective surgery to prepare for surgery and map a plan for follow-up after discharge to support your progress. The program also offers opioid education, promoting effective and safe pain management and control.

o Pastoral spousal care in partnership with Alongside provides ministers’ wives with emotional and practical support as they support their spouses and families in their own ministry roles.

All of these programs are available at no additional cost to EPC Plan participants. Log in to the EPC Benefits website https://epconnect.org/benefits2024/2025medical/ to access a wealth of information on these and other available personalized care services.

• Site-of-Care Alternatives. A large portion of outpatient healthcare in America is provided through hospital-based and located facilities, including infusion centers, lab testing (bloodwork), imaging centers, physical-occupational therapy, and ambulatory surgery that are part of a hospital system. Patients often do not realize that they have a choice of the facility where the diagnostic services will be provided that includes non-hospital independent facilities that offer the same quality of service, at significantly lower cost, and often in more convenient locations.

To help our Members determine what site of care options are available, several tools and incentives are now available within the plan to assist members in reducing out-of-pocket costs. We encourage you to inquire about the facility and cost of service before scheduling and accessing a site of care choice.

• Healthcare Bluebook Screening Tool. To make it easier for our Plan members to explore facility alternatives, we offer Healthcare Bluebook through Meritain Health. In 2024, more than 800 searches were completed by EPC members to find highly ranked local care facilities for specific medical tests and treatments.

In many cases, Healthcare Bluebook pays a cash reward to members who select one of the recommended centers of excellence for certain medical tests or procedures. Members can access the program through their Meritain online account. Additionally, reduced out-of-pocket copays are an integral part of our plan to save members even more money when selecting a non-hospital facility.

Enhanced Communication & Awareness. The BRI Team strives, along with our healthcare partners to ensure Members are aware of these many helpful programs. Keep an eye out for our communications and those of our care partners. We encourage members to commit to a personal goal to utilize resources on the EPC website and set up accounts with Meritain and Benecard PBF to take full advantage of these important benefits. Look for information about program apps so you can take full advantage of all your plan resources.

In order to ensure important health management phone calls from Meritain and Benecard are not missed (or viewed as spam!), we encourage all members to add these contact numbers to your cell phone contact list: 888-610-0089 for Meritain and 888-907-0070 for Benecard. If contacted by any of our healthcare partners, please take time to learn more about what assistance they offer.

You do not have to walk your healthcare path alone. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Life, Disability, Vision, and Dental Insurances

Participation in these supplementary benefits was stable as we moved into 2025. Dental premiums increased in 2025 by 8% showing post-covid activity by members continuing to catch up on their dental care. Negotiations on vision premiums resulted in a flat renewal with a premium rate lock until January 2029.

Life/Disability Insurance rates experienced a reduction in premiums by 7% and 10%, respectively. A 1981 Act of the General Assembly established that Terms of Call for any EPC minister shall provide for life and disability insurance coverage. Over the years, BRI has made these coverages available to EPC ministers, and many have been supported through life insurance proceeds in times of personal loss, and through disability payments when an unexpected accident or illness leads to disability.

All of this coverage is made available to ministers and staff working 30 or more hours per week.

EPC Retirement Plan
Overview

Participation. As of February 28, 2025, there were 2,582 participants in our defined contribution Retirement Plan. Collectively, our members held over $251 million in their retirement accounts, or an average balance of about $95,000 per participant. (Feb ‘25)

Investment Funds. A high percentage of EPC members are utilizing the Retirement Target Date (Life Cycle) funds, constituting approximately 43% of invested funds. These funds automatically and gradually reduce members’ exposure to investment risks as they approach retirement.

In addition to the 13 target date funds, members may choose to invest in a selection of 11 top-rated funds in various asset classes. Another option is investment through the Plan’s self-directed brokerage link, where participants may invest in any publicly traded security, adding hundreds more choices.
Participants also have the opportunity to “roll over” funds from their IRAs or former employer-based 401 (k) or 403b plan into their EPC Retirement account. Employees and Benefit Administrators can visit the EPC website or call the EPC Benefits Office, or log into their account through Fidelity to connect with a Fidelity advisor for more information.

Performance – The Investment Committee of BRI meets quarterly with our retirement plan consultant to evaluate the performance, expenses, and risk profile of each of the 24 investment options offered under the EPC 403(b)(9) Plan. We feel confident that the funds selected provide the best choices to optimize all three objectives.

During 2024, participants enjoyed positive market gains. During the 4th quarter, 54% of the Plan’s funds outperformed their respective peer-group median. Strong relative performance amongst equity markets in the 4th quarter also provided a tailwind to longer-term performance, with the 1-year returns for 2024 coming in with 73% of the Plan’s funds outperforming their peer group median. Medium- and long-term performance was comparable to the 4th quarter numbers, with 45% or more of the Plan’s funds outperforming their peer-group median on a trailing 3-,5-, and 10-year basis.

Overall, funds are meeting or exceeding national benchmarks with continued positive growth projected over the next 3 to 5 years. Plan assets continue to grow with positive gains and increased participation.

Legislative Changes – The EPC Benefit office works closely with its Plan Consultant, the Church Alliance, and legal counsel to ensure legislative compliance. As the U. S. Congress passes legislative changes to the rules that govern retirement plan administration, the BRI Investment Committee consults with specialists regarding the impact of the legislation on our plan and ensures that allowable plan changes that benefit our Plan participants are in place. For example, recent legislation provided for several new reasons that hardship withdrawals can be made, such as to cover expenses incurred due to a declared national disaster. BRI has added a provision for these withdrawals to be made available.

To ensure that the BRI team will be able to effectively communicate plan changes to participants, it is important that members review their accounts regularly and update mailing addresses, email addresses, and beneficiaries as needed.

Tax Advantaged Withdrawals – Because the EPC Retirement Plan is a 403(b)(9) Church plan, ordained ministers retain the ability to use up to 100% of their annual retirement withdrawals (not to exceed the amount allowable by the IRS) to pay housing expenses exempt from federal income taxes. This continues even into retirement, provided the funds were contributed during the pastor’s tenure as minister and have remained in the EPC Plan.

This proves to be a significant advantage for EPC pastors over other retirement plans available in the market without this designation. The BRI team has been working to identify all EPC Teaching Elders within the retirement portal (Fidelity) to ensure that distributions are properly addressed for our ministerial participants.

Fidelity Investments – We continue to partner with Fidelity Investments to administer and advise members on their retirement plan choices. All EPC plan participants are entitled to receive a free Investment Advisor review of their investment choices, portfolio performance and progress toward retirement goals at any time by calling Fidelity at 800-342-0860 to make an appointment. We suggest members engage in dialogue with a Fidelity advisor at least annually, if not 2-3 times per year. Gaining a fresh-eyed perspective of your financial retirement plan is vital to guiding the path to retirement, regardless of the length of your runway!

For an additional fee, members can also utilize Fidelity’s Personalized Planning and Advice (PPA) service, which offers personalized planning, tracking, and recurring update services with consideration toward all of their financial goals and resources.

Conclusion – Retirement Plan

Approximately 15% of EPC churches still do not have any pastor or staff participating in our 403(b)(9) Plan. Church leaders may feel they have their employees’ Retirement Plan managed through another provider, have mostly part-time staff, or believe retirement benefits for staff are unaffordable. We encourage church leadership to reconsider.

– Being in a 403(b)(9) Church Plan guarantees a Minister the full value of the federal Housing Expense Tax Exemption in retirement. Withdrawals from most other plans do not permit the tax exemption. Any Plan that allows for the ministerial housing allowance tax exemption must explicitly state it in its Plan Document and make an annual declaration of the portion allowable under the exemption.

– Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the EPC Plan, and it is a good tax-advantaged way for them to save for retirement.

– Providing for pastor and staff retirement is a vital and essential responsibility for church leaders to ensure long-term vitality upon retirement.

Future Outlook: Stronger, Together

The EPC Benefit plans are in a solid position to provide care and support for our members. Our plans are designed to be a partnership with our churches and members, so we encourage everyone to take these steps over the next year to ensure joint success for all EPC members’ health, wellness, and retirement security:

• Plan Participation. If your church does not currently participate in the EPC Benefit Plans, PLAN to evaluate the option with your church leadership by contacting the EPC Benefits office. We are stronger, together. CALL TODAY to plan for engagement in 2026.

• Health Check-up. Commit to a personal goal for you, your family, and your staff to schedule your annual medical checkup (including bloodwork). Follow up with your physician to complete all age-based recommended health screenings (mammogram, colonoscopy, lung screenings, etc.). That one result could be life-changing.

• Mind & Spirit Health Coaching. Add Meritain’s Nurse Coaching phone number 888-610-0089 and Sun Life’s Health Navigator phone number 888-352-4969 to your contact list so that you do not miss any messages from them and will have them available when you need them. We ALL need a fresh perspective.

• Well-Being Services. Make full use of the free Wellness, Member Care, and Disease Management resources and programs available to you as a participant in the EPC Medical Plan. Keep an eye out for EPC Benefit Resources newsletters, Benecard, and Meritain Healt,h our other well-being partners’ outreaches. Great resources.

• Retirement Plan. Set a goal to place 15% of your income away for your retirement. This can be through a combination of church contributions (10% for Pastors required by Acts of the Assembly) and personal payroll-deducted contributions. If you are over 50, there are provisions for you to make additional catch-up contributions. A vital priority to secure your future.

• Financial Advice. Contact Fidelity for a review of your 403(b)(9) account investment fund selections periodically. Review the robust resources available to help you by logging into your Fidelity Account. If you want an expert to make those decisions or you, Fidelity offers a fee-based management service called Fidelity Personalized Planning and Advice. You can contact Fidelity through your account to learn more.

• Contact Designations. Review your contact information and the beneficiary designations for your life insurance and your retirement account. So that your loved ones are properly cared for.

It is a privilege to serve on the BRI Board as the EPC health and retirement plans we oversee benefit those who serve Christ. We believe our plans are vital to strengthen the body, mind, and spirit of our Members to better serve our communities, and provide for our families, and in doing so, bring more to saving faith in Jesus.

I want to thank my fellow Board members for their dedicated service and passion to advance and elevate the mission of the EPC to better fulfill the Great Commission

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RECOMMENDATIONS (DETAILED)

RECOMMENDATION 45-28

That ordained ministers drawing retirement income from the EPC 403(b)(9) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan be allowed to designate up to 100% of their retirement income for housing allowance as permitted by applicable regulations adopted pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.

Rationale: To do so permits retired, ordained ministers to take advantage of this significant tax benefit in retirement, thereby making more of their retirement income available for living expenses. Adopting this recommendation on an annual basis provides retired ministers with a readily available reference if asked by tax authorities.

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COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Bill Overcast
RE, Presbytery of the Central South

Jim Lewien
RE, Presbytery of the West

Cathy Scott
Presbytery of the East

Stuart VanKirk
RE, Presbytery of the Alleghenies

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MEETING DATES

October 3, 2024: Office of the General Assembly (Orlando, Florida)
December 12, 2024: Video Conference
April 9, 2025: Office of the General Assembly (Orlando, Florida)
June 10, 2025: Video Conference

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Busch, Chairman
June 2025

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