BRI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SUMMARY OF WORK

1. Benefit Plan Enhancements

2.  Medical Claims Management

3. Retirement Plan Plan Enhancements 

RECOMMENDATIONS

46-34 The Benefit Resources, Inc., recommends that the 46th General Assembly approve 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 inco me for housing allowance as permitted by applicable regulations adopted pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.

Back to Top

WORK OF THE COMMITTEE

EPC Benefit Resources, Inc (BRI) serves church pastors and staff by providing a comprehensive benefits package including five (5) medical plan designs, two (2) dental plan designs, a vision plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance. Additionally, BRI administers a 403(b)(9) defined contribution church retirement plan available to all actively employed pastors and church staff.

Participants in these plans are served by four (4) experienced BRI team members including the Executive Director, Director of Benefits, Benefits Accounting Analyst and Communications Associate.

The nine (9) member Board of Directors have two (2) standing committees; the Investment Committee, overseeing fund investments of the 403(b)(9) retirement program as well as investments supporting the medical plan, and the Benefits Plans Committee, overseeing health benefits provided through the self-funded medical plan and additional health care benefits.

A Compliance Committee was established in 2025 consisting of two (2) Board members representing the two Board Committees plus two (2) members of the BRI Staff. The Committee reviews state and federal guidelines and regulations and ensures compliance with these requirements.

In March of 2025, Bart Francescone, who served as Executive Director since 2017 announced his resignation to pursue other opportunities. Carolee Richendollar who served as Director of Benefits since 2023 was appointed as BRI Executive Director with formal announcement at General Assembly in June 2025. Carolee has developed the BRI team, advanced new efficiencies, and enhanced policies and procedures in collaboration with the EPC OGA.

The BRI Board meets four times annually, with two in-person at the Office of the General Assembly in Orlando, FL. Each Board Committee also meets four times during the year and provides a report and recommended actions to the BRI Board.

The Board of Directors and the BRI team work together to ensure that EPC Churches have the highest quality and competitive employee benefits package available to care for the health and well-being of their pastors and church staff. Our team serves those carrying out the Great Commission by providing the most comprehensive and contemporary medical and retirement programs. We are blessed to advance this mission.

As we approach open enrollment for calendar 2027 in the fall of 2026, we strongly urge EPC pastors and elders to consider engaging with the EPC Benefits Plan in support of your colleagues in service. Prayerfully consider this option and engage with the BRI team as your Session discerns choices for the coming year. The EPC body will be stronger, together.

BRI Committee Report
2026 Medical Plan: Every Part Contains Within Itself the Whole 

Back to Top

RECOMMENDATIONS (DETAILED)

RECOMMENDATION 46-34

The Benefit Resources, Inc., recommends that the 46th General Assembly approve 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:
Permits retired, ordained ministers to take advantage of significant tax benefits in retirement, thereby making more retirement income available for living expenses. Adopting this recommendation on an annual basis as required by the IRS provides retired ministers with a readily available reference, if asked by tax authorities.

Back to Top

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Bill Overcast
RE, Presbytery of the Central South

Jeff Andersen
RE, Presbytery of the Great Plains

Cathy Scott
Presbytery of the East

Michael Moore
Presbytery of the Central South

Ken Scearce
RE, Presbytery of the Florida and the Caribbean

Back to Top

MEETING DATES

October 2, 2025: Office of the General Assembly (Orlando, Florida)
December 11, 2025: Video Conference
March 11, 2026: Office of the General Assembly (Orlando, Florida)
June 10, 2026: Video Conference

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Busch, Chairman
June 2026

Back to Top