In keeping with the approach of providing “value-added” benefits to the members of the South Carolina District, we are pleased to announce as an integral part of the District Stewardship Department the “Financial Services for Your Ministry” resource guide designed especially for YOU! It can be used by anyone in need of fringe benefits for themselves and/ or their ministry. Every member of our District in need NOW has immediate access to excellent resources for affordable medical, dental, disability insurance, life insurance, retirement programs, competitive mortgage loan rates, and travel medical insurance… all with voluntary participation and on a completely confidential basis. Our striving to provide a “personal approach” to financial planning will enable us to guide you to an individualized program that best matches your specific needs.
This resource guide should be used in conjunction with a second “value-added” benefit… a “Ministerial Compensation & Fringe Benefit Planning Guide” for assistance to ministers and religious workers employed by any 501©(3) organization. This total compensation package planning service for pastors and church staff are a valuable resource for you or your church leadership in the planning, budgeting and implementation of ministerial and pastoral staff compensation & fringe benefit packages. Too often compensation planning for clergy/ staff presents several unique issues that are not well understood by many church leaders and their advisors. Services included in this confidential compensation analysis are:
· Determination of appropriate compensation levels for pastoral , administrative, and support
positions,
· Determine effective compensation packages that will maximize net “take home” pay, yet
Be compliant and accountable with current tax law,
· Evaluate and analyze “current compensation package arrangements in place.” This will
draw comparison with “what you are doing now” with your church/ ministry’s ability
to compensate you.
· Develop an objective standard for evaluation requests for raise and benefit changes,
· Promote equitable and fair compensation practices within your church/ ministry,
· Better understand the nature of church compensation planning.
An additional “value-added” benefit incorporates services provided by the A/G Financial Solutions (AGFS). Our relationship with AGFS allows us to provide a “free will” and testamentary planning program. Other services include consultation for revocable trusts, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts and endowments; detailed estate analysis and plans; forms for durable power of attorney: power of attorney for health care, and living wills; legal documents for trusts of gift plans benefiting an A/G ministry; trust and IRA management services; asset management services; estate settlement and management services among others.
It would be our pleasure to assist with any of these services and a contact to our office will enable us to schedule a personal visit to consult with you or your leadership team.
Respectfully submitted,
Randall J. Benton
Stewardship Director
