{"id":1384,"date":"2026-08-17T14:48:34","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T18:48:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/?p=1384"},"modified":"2026-08-17T14:48:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T18:48:37","slug":"ready-for-retirement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/2026\/08\/17\/ready-for-retirement\/","title":{"rendered":"Ready for retirement?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Keith R. Davenport, CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>, MPAS<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><br><\/strong><em>Director, Service Center<br><\/em><strong>MMBB<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rev. Dr. Robert L. DeVeaux<br><\/strong><em>Pastor<br><\/em><strong>Humanity Baptist Church<\/strong><em><br>(Newark, NJ)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Connie G. Duffett<\/strong><em><br>Director of Development Operations<br><\/em><strong>Dakota Wesleyan University<br><\/strong><em>Advancement Visionary Advisor<br><\/em><strong>The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Robert G. Duffett<br><\/strong><em>President<br><\/em><strong>Eastern University, Dakota Wesleyan University &amp; Palmer Theological Seminary Leadership positions at several other academic institutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alex Kim, CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>, MBA, CPA<\/strong><br><em>Financial&nbsp;Planning Specialist<\/em><br><strong>MMBB<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Colin Nass, CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>, AEP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>, RICP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>, WMCP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong><br><em>Director, Financial Planning<\/em><br><strong>MMBB<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alina Parizianu, CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>, MBA, RICP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><br><\/strong><em>Financial&nbsp;Planning Specialist<\/em><strong><br>MMBB<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-too-often-investing-for-retirement-is-the-elephant-in-the-room-many-professionals-particularly-clergypersons-aren-t-adequately-prepared\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Too often, investing for retirement is the \u201celephant in the room.\u201d Many professionals \u2014 particularly clergypersons \u2014 aren\u2019t adequately prepared.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-here-a-panel-of-cfp-nbsp-professionals-from-mmbb-financial-services-mmbb-org-and-ministry-leaders-bring-the-topics-down-to-earth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Here, a panel of CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>&nbsp;professionals from MMBB Financial Services (mmbb.org) and ministry leaders bring the topics down to earth.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-their-goal-make-retirement-investing-more-manageable-even-and-maybe-nbsp-especially-if-you-re-advanced-in-your-career\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Their goal: make retirement investing more manageable, even (and maybe&nbsp;<em>especially<\/em>) if you\u2019re advanced in your career.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>First things first: how common is it for clergy members to avoid thinking and talking about \u2014 let alone pursuing \u2014 investing for retirement?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alex Kim:&nbsp;<\/strong>Unfortunately, it\u2019s pretty common. One barrier is lack of basic financial education. The financial landscape is constantly changing(tax laws and financial solutions), which demands a significant time commitment \u2014 a scarce resource for many MMBB members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Colin Nass:&nbsp;<\/strong>That\u2019s true. Long-term planning for retirement often requires time and effort to learn new concepts and reflect on what\u2019s most important. So, yes, the biggest barrier in retirement planning is a feeling that the process is too difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, our members are like most professionals today: they\u2019re balancing many demands on their time and finances. It\u2019s not uncommon to have multiple goals and focus exclusively on the most immediate issues. For many, retirement is an event \u201coff in the future,\u201d and this goal can get pushed aside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alina Parizianu:&nbsp;<\/strong>That\u2019s true; many conflicting demands on clergy income is often the reason for lower contributions or no extra contributions. Sometimes the compensation package from the church includes the retirement contributions the church makes for the pastor, so the actual salary paid is reduced proportionately based on the contributions the church is making for the employee. But those who do decide to invest an additional amount automatically deducted from their paycheck early on, will have more income in retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Keith Davenport:&nbsp;<\/strong>Also, I find that many clergy members haven\u2019t prioritized retirement and investment planning because they\u2019re focused on their ministry. So, MMBB now offers Target Date funds that are based on their retirement date and makes the asset allocation decisions&nbsp;<em>for&nbsp;<\/em>them if they\u2019d rather not make those important investment decisions. We are also able to personally assist them with those decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What&nbsp;about you, pastors? In your ministry careers, have you ever been reticent regarding retirement investing? It seems that you might&nbsp;be \u201cexceptions to the rule.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Robert L. DeVeaux:&nbsp;<\/strong>Correct; I\u2019ve never been hesitant. I think that comes from my upbringing \u2014 my parents taught the importance giving back but also paying yourself first \u2014 and later, from being bi-vocational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I was a business major in my undergraduate studies, and my professional career took off in that world. Older employees always encouraged me to get onboard with a savings plan, and retirement investing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When I became paid ministry staff 21 years ago, I was exposed to the American Baptist Church, which has a long-standing connection with MMBB. Then and now \u2014 working in the educational system \u2014 I\u2019ve played the encourager role for fellow pastors and educators related to retirement investing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Robert G. Duffett:&nbsp;<\/strong>While I haven\u2019t been reticent at all to discuss retirement investing, that\u2019s because I\u2019ve had a good pension in each place I served. My only regret is not putting more aside in my late 20s and early 30s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What would you have set aside ideally?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Robert G. Duffett:&nbsp;<\/strong>Even $10, $25 or $100 a month would\u2019ve made a huge difference. Most of us probably wouldn\u2019t miss those funds too much; it&#8217;s non-taxable income coming right out of your paycheck. It amounts to a few Starbucks trips a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For our financial planners: When clergy members so decide to focus on retirement investing, what are the typical catalysts?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kim:&nbsp;<\/strong>One strong catalyst is age. As members become older and approach retirement, they\u2019re forced to confront their fears, challenges and needs. They look in the mirror and ask how financially prepared they are for retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Davenport:&nbsp;<\/strong>That\u2019s right \u2014 they might find themselves behind on their retirement savings and have to make up for it. Through their discussions with MMBB professionals, they become more educated about the greater growth potential of some investments and more comfortable participating in their own investment decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nass:&nbsp;<\/strong>I agree \u2014 members often become more focused on retirement planning as they approach retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another common catalyst is a significant market move, which frequently gets outsized media coverage. Health concerns or a job loss can also prompt increased interest in retirement \/ investment planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Parizianu:&nbsp;<\/strong>On the other side of the spectrum, a salary increase or some extra cash flow (previously allocated to pay off student loans, or for another immediate project, for instance) can also be a catalyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pastors: When did you start focusing on retirement investing, and what prompted it?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Connie G. Duffett:&nbsp;<\/strong>[Robert] and I began in our mid-30s. Our employer fully funded the basic MMBB plan, and we began to set aside as much as we could in a tax-sheltered annuity plan. We\u2019ve done that for 30 years. We wanted to prepare better for retirement, but we also wanted the tax break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DeVeaux:&nbsp;<\/strong>I began to focus on it about 14 years ago; but listen, it hasn\u2019t always been feasible. Ministers are challenged to balance between living for today and living for a hope for tomorrow. Though I\u2019ve always been bi-vocational, many times pastors aren\u2019t abreast of the opportunities to save \u2014 and no one is encouraging them to do so, from a denominational or a church standpoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">OK, so, having someone to help you navigate the retirement investing process is key, them. How has MMBB been a resource for you, personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DeVeaux:&nbsp;<\/strong>Oh, that shared insight has been huge for me.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I&#8217;ve asked MMBB financial planners to come talk to the leadership board at my church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, I\u2019m participating in [the Strategic Pastor Excellence Program, or SPEP], so I&#8217;m able to take our church leaders to seminars where they can sit with other diverse church leaders to understand that they\u2019re not alone. Just to share the wealth of insight, the knowledge, has been phenomenal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Robert G. Duffett:&nbsp;<\/strong>For 10 years, when I wasn\u2019t employed in an American Baptist Church affiliated college, seminary or agency, MMBB was not able to accept my money due to federal restrictions. [laughs] However, when the IRS changed the policy, MMBB was able to work with members of other denominations<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But for as long as we\u2019ve been able \u2014 40 years, now \u2014 Connie and I have found their services to be excellent and their returns competitive. Our MMBB financial planner is the person we work with most personally. He has twice created a financial plan with us. We think he\u2019s exceptional \u2014 and fun to work with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>As you financial planners consult with clergy members, what retirement expenses are often surprising to them?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kim:&nbsp;<\/strong>Many clergy members don\u2019t monitor their spending, so debt management is a recurring challenge. Sometimes, debt payments can be stretched over time, or deferred, masking the real looming danger. As a result, members are unaware of how much debt they carry and how much it\u2019s costing them in interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, many don\u2019t diligently manage their tax liabilities, which can lead to back taxes and more precarious predicaments down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nass:&nbsp;<\/strong>I agree \u2014 figuring out monthly expenses takes several months of effort, since some expenses are seasonal (heating bills and Christmas presents) and others are infrequent (a dental filling or a car repair).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we work with members on creating a spending plan, we make sure all expenses are identified, not just the regularly recurring expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Davenport:&nbsp;<\/strong>As retirees have more time, they might tend to travel more and, with time on their hands, the desire to learn something new may be stronger than ever and costs associated with new hobbies or education may increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, some pastors might not have factored in expenses like providing for dependent adult children and grandchildren as they seek to help with college tuition and other needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the expense they overlook most frequently is for increased health care needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Parizianu:&nbsp;<\/strong>Right; medical costs in retirement come up in every retirement conversation I have, whether a member is retiring before Medicare eligibility at 65 or we\u2019re discussing actual Medicare costs. The latter includes not only the different premiums involved (depending<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">on the supplement they choose), but also out-of-pocket expenses (co-insurance, deductibles, co-payments).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additionally, long-term care (LTC) costs often aren\u2019t considered until very close to retirement, when the cost of paying for LTC insurance premiums is considered against self-insuring for this risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taxes for withdrawals from pre-tax retirement accounts like 403b, 401k, or Traditional IRA might not be clear to some members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, taxation of social security benefits might come into play at certain levels, for certain income amounts, which can come as a surprise. However, as MMBB is able to designate up to 100 percent of the MMBB distribution as housing allowance eligible for our clergy members, most members are able to exclude some or even all of their MMBB distributions from federal income taxes, as per IRS guidelines and limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pastors, does this ring true? Have you expected or overlooked expenses emerged in your retirement planning?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DeVeaux:&nbsp;<\/strong>Well, in life, things always come up, right? For instance, every time I thought I was done bettering myself vocationally \u2026 I wasn\u2019t. It\u2019s possible you\u2019ll decide at 50 that you want to get your doctorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But these costs only pose an obstacle if you allow them to. I&#8217;ve always made sure that the savings piece was drawn off the top; then, I simply have what I have to work with. Something else had to be sacrificed, whether it was a pleasure or an automobile. I\u2019ve driven cars as long as they\u2019d last because I\u2019d rather put the money aside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Connie G. Duffett:&nbsp;<\/strong>As we made our financial plan, we discovered we could be vulnerable for assisted living care after retirement. We shopped for policies and found them not only to be expensive but also limited; many only offered two years of coverage. We decided to take the monthly premium cost for both of us and put it into a 60-40 stocks-to-bonds mutual fund, which has grown to almost $200,000. We\u2019re also putting additional money away for health costs in retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As far as college savings, our MMBB financial planner put us in the same Vanguard fund for our two children\u2019s educations. We never used it, as we paid for our son\u2019s college through cash and loans. And since [Robert] was a college president, our daughter went to college for free \u2014 a nice perk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, we\u2019ve been blessed not to have any unexpected expenses that we couldn\u2019t pay for in cash. We\u2019ve been fortunate; families better off than ours have experienced misfortune or accidents in their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Let&#8217;s talk more about assisted living care, as it&#8217;s an often-misunderstood retirement expense. Robert and Connie: When you say you learned your could &#8220;be vulnerable&#8221; for these costs, what you mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Robert G. Duffett:&nbsp;<\/strong>Well, we knew that assisted care insurance would pay the majority of it \u2026 but only for a few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Connie G. Duffett:&nbsp;<\/strong>Right. If the insurance is only good for three years, say \u2014 and you&#8217;ll likely be in there a lot longer \u2014 why not just invest the cost of the premium (about $500 a month for both of us) and accrue interest? Our MMBB financial planner was able to make that work for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Robert G. Duffett:&nbsp;<\/strong>Now, this means rolling the dice, but we\u2019re confident. Our plan is to build a quarter-million-dollar \u201cnest egg\u201d for assisted care by the time we\u2019re in our 70s and 80s, when we might need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Connie G. Duffett:&nbsp;<\/strong>Yes. The point is that people need to look at their options now and start down that path. For some, getting the insurance might be the best option. We were just at a different point in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Aside from these expenses, do you two feel like you&#8217;re adequately prepared (or preparing) for retirement, given where you are in your ministry career?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Robert G. Duffett:&nbsp;<\/strong>I think we are. We saved aggressively and invested not in speculation, but in stocks \u2014 mainly through MMBB and a couple of mutual funds. There\u2019s no guarantee, but things look good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What about you, Rev. Dr. DeVeaux?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DeVeaux:&nbsp;<\/strong>I feel that I&#8217;m on the right path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through MMBB, my financial planner and I look at life expectancy, inflation, and how my investments and my savings are likely to perform along the way. Through projections, he has made me feel comfortable if I was to live to be 90.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another thing MMBB has helped me do is reduce debt through the SPEP program. It offers the chance to meet with a cohort and to show accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Right now, I\u2019m down to my last $2,500 in debt. That&#8217;s something I couldn\u2019t have done on my own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-that-s-great-to-hear-but-of-course-the-reality-is-that-many-clergy-members-aren-t-as-prepared-for-retirement-as-the-pastors-in-this-discussion-financial-advisors-for-those-reading-this-who-might-be-getting-a-late-start-what-s-your-best-advice\"><strong>That\u2019s great to hear! But of course, the reality is that many clergy members aren\u2019t as prepared for retirement as the pastors in this discussion. Financial advisors: for those reading this who might be getting a late start, what\u2019s your best advice?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kim:&nbsp;<\/strong>Simply put:&nbsp;<em>better late than never!&nbsp;<\/em>So, kudos for finally making the move. For these members, communication, simplicity and patience are key. It\u2019s easy to become overwhelmed by the task ahead, so we break things down into small, easily digestible steps. This might mean tackling just one or two of the most important issues first, instead of trying to implement a massive strategic plan all at once. Most of all, we exercise patience because everything takes time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are many resources available online. However, the easiest way to get started might be to give us a call and speak to one of our CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>Professionals. We can offer unbiased, comprehensive financial guidance on a range of topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nass:&nbsp;<\/strong>Agreed; no two members are the same, so the best resource is a CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>&nbsp;professional who can help answer specific questions:&nbsp;<em>How much should I be saving? How should I be invested? How do I balance saving for multiple goals?&nbsp;<\/em>Getting to these answers requires a tailored approach based on your unique needs and circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also worth noting that time is a powerful ally when saving for retirement. This is because compound interest works best when you\u2019re invested for longer periods of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Again, Target Date Funds might be an option to consider, as they provide diversification and rebalance automatically as the member gets closer to retirement \u2014 an excellent choice for members who are looking for a more automated solution to investing for retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Davenport:&nbsp;<\/strong>Echoing that, I\u2019d tell late starters to begin having more deducted from their paycheck to catch up. They can invest more in, say, stock funds for greater potential investment returns \u2014 although this comes with greater potential risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They might also need to review their lifestyle and expenses and reduce where possible if their retirement savings are inadequate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Parizianu:&nbsp;<\/strong>Right. To this end, we can also look at other options: working a bit longer than anticipated to accumulate more before they start their spending stage; delaying claiming social security benefits; increasing their savings rate; or downsizing. We need to look at the impact of each of these levers on the probability of their plan\u2019s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One rule of thumb when devising a plan: to live comfortably, individuals should ideally have 10 to 12 times their current salary saved by 67. When that isn\u2019t achieved, we take stock of where each member is through comprehensive financial planning, to determine the best course of action at that point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is often an eye-opening conversation. It\u2019s always going to be a tradeoff between spending today and your future wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-do-our-pastors-have-any-advice-for-their-peers-who-are-starting-late-on-retirement-investing\"><strong>Do our pastors have any advice for their peers who are starting late on retirement investing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Connie G. Duffett:&nbsp;<\/strong>Start now. Even if it\u2019s only $10 a month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Robert G. Duffett:&nbsp;<\/strong>I agree. Many denominational pension plans are well run, so take advantage of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember that the miracle of compounding interest is your best friend. I\u2019m amazed at how little we invested and how interest, compounded over time, made our meager investment into something much larger than we thought possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s never too late to benefit from compounded interest. You\u2019ll see it grow, percentagewise, as much as any billionaire would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DeVeaux:<\/strong>&nbsp;I think you have to see your retirement savings as essential, like paying taxes. You pay those \u2018off the top\u2019 \u2014 so pay yourself the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, be proactive. Have the retirement planning conversation at the negotiation stage when you&#8217;re accepting your call to a church. Maybe instead of being paid $70,000 a year, arrange it so that you\u2019re paid $62,000, with $8,000 going into a retirement account. You\u2019d be surprised: 99 percent of churches would accept that setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-understand-your-options\"><strong>Understand your options<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The right financial planner can make all the difference when it comes to retirement investing. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-let-s-talk-a-bit-about-mmbb-what-services-are-available-for-clergy-members\"><strong>Let\u2019s talk a bit about MMBB \u2014 what services are available for clergy members?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Colin Nass:&nbsp;<\/strong>MMBB has one purpose: improving our members\u2019 financial wellness. As part of this mission, we offer benefit plans for churches and faith-based organizations. Members in our plans have several investment options available to them, as well as access to comprehensive financial planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to investing for retirement, our Comprehensive Plan also provides life and disability insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alina Parizianu:&nbsp;<\/strong>MMBB helps members set financial goals, prioritize them, and work towards pursuing and achieving them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We build a plan together, whether it\u2019s a retirement goal, debt management goal, or a college savings goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a team, we understand the challenges pastors face and work with them to alleviate financial stress, from immediate, pressing goals \u2014 like eliminating credit card debt or preparing to pay IRS back taxes \u2014 to saving for a home, post-parsonage, while also having enough saved for retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alex Kim:&nbsp;<\/strong>MMBB provides retirement solutions to our clergy members, including a 403(b) retirement savings plan, group disability insurance, group life insurance depending on the retirement plan chosen, and one-on-one financial guidance through our financial planning specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MMBB has built a strong reputation of partnering with our members for more than 100 years. During that time, we\u2019ve been pioneers in clergy employee benefits, focusing on our members and aligning ourselves with their financial goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Keith R. Davenport:&nbsp;<\/strong>MMBB provides insights and guidance to our members through a team of senior benefits specialists in our Service Center. They provide information on MMBB plan enrollment to new pastors, lay persons and churches and assist with settling clergy member accounts at retirement. The Service Center works with beneficiaries after the death of a member and answers questions about investment options available. The Service Center also regularly updates member personal contact information with MMBB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MMBB\u2019s unique history and connection with the American Baptist Church makes us well-positioned to assist clergy. Ministry is at the foundation of our service mission to clergy. We are servant financial professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>I see that you all carry the CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>&nbsp;designation. What should people be aware of when dealing with a CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>&nbsp;professional?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nass:&nbsp;<\/strong>Anyone can use the titles \u201cfinancial planner\u201d or \u201cfinancial adviser.\u201d Only those who\u2019ve fulfilled the CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>&nbsp;Board\u2019s rigorous requirements can call themselves a CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>&nbsp;professional. This includes a comprehensive CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>&nbsp;certification exam and ongoing continuing education classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, MMBB CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>&nbsp;professionals act as fiduciaries; therefore, we act in a member\u2019s best interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Parizianu:&nbsp;<\/strong>Right. As part of their certification, CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>&nbsp;professionals commit to the CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>&nbsp;Board that they will act as a fiduciary. This means we act in MMBB\u2019s members\u2019 best interests, at all times when providing financial guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Davenport:&nbsp;<\/strong>As a CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>&nbsp;professional, the quality of holistic guidance provided to members is aligned with their financial goals. The CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>&nbsp;designation should give our members confidence that they\u2019re working with servant professionals who are held to high standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kim:&nbsp;<\/strong>That\u2019s true. Our planners provide something few financial advisers offer \u2014 unbiased guidance. We\u2019re not incentivized to sell specific products or services; our loyalty lies with the client, first and foremost. So, when working with any financial adviser, be sure to ask if they\u2019re acting as a fiduciary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, there are no additional fees for working with MMBB\u2019s financial planners. Access to financial planning is a benefit of membership!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u2014 Reporting by RaeAnn Slaybaugh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;CFP Board owns the marks CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER<sup>TM<\/sup>, and CFP<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>&nbsp;(with plaque design) in the U.S.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmbb.org\/resources\/church-executive-articles\/2021\/june\/ready-for-retirement\">https:\/\/www.mmbb.org\/resources\/church-executive-articles\/2021\/june\/ready-for-retirement<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Keith R. Davenport, CFP\u00ae, MPAS\u00aeDirector, Service CenterMMBB Rev. Dr. Robert L. DeVeauxPastorHumanity Baptist Church(Newark, NJ) Connie G. DuffettDirector of Development OperationsDakota Wesleyan UniversityAdvancement Visionary AdvisorThe Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Robert G. DuffettPresidentEastern University, Dakota Wesleyan University &amp; Palmer Theological Seminary Leadership positions at several other academic institutions&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1384","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-church-leadership"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v28.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Ready for retirement? - ChurchStaffing<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/2026\/08\/17\/ready-for-retirement\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Ready for retirement?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Keith R. Davenport, CFP\u00ae, MPAS\u00aeDirector, Service CenterMMBB Rev. Dr. Robert L. DeVeauxPastorHumanity Baptist Church(Newark, NJ) Connie G. DuffettDirector of Development OperationsDakota Wesleyan UniversityAdvancement Visionary AdvisorThe Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Robert G. DuffettPresidentEastern University, Dakota Wesleyan University &amp; Palmer Theological Seminary Leadership positions at several other academic institutions...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/2026\/08\/17\/ready-for-retirement\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"ChurchStaffing\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/churchstaffing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-17T18:48:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-17T18:48:37+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@churchstaff\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@churchstaff\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"MMBB\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"16 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/17\\\/ready-for-retirement\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/17\\\/ready-for-retirement\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"\",\"@id\":\"\"},\"headline\":\"Ready for retirement?\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-17T18:48:34+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-17T18:48:37+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/17\\\/ready-for-retirement\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3594,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Church Leadership\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/17\\\/ready-for-retirement\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/17\\\/ready-for-retirement\\\/\",\"name\":\"Ready for retirement? - ChurchStaffing\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-17T18:48:34+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-17T18:48:37+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/17\\\/ready-for-retirement\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/17\\\/ready-for-retirement\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/17\\\/ready-for-retirement\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Ready for retirement?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/\",\"name\":\"ChurchStaffing\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"ChurchStaffing\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/churchstaffing-425x215-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/churchstaffing-425x215-1.png\",\"width\":425,\"height\":215,\"caption\":\"ChurchStaffing\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.churchstaffing.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/churchstaffing\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/churchstaff\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"\",\"url\":\"\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Ready for retirement? - ChurchStaffing","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/2026\/08\/17\/ready-for-retirement\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Ready for retirement?","og_description":"Keith R. Davenport, CFP\u00ae, MPAS\u00aeDirector, Service CenterMMBB Rev. Dr. Robert L. DeVeauxPastorHumanity Baptist Church(Newark, NJ) Connie G. DuffettDirector of Development OperationsDakota Wesleyan UniversityAdvancement Visionary AdvisorThe Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Robert G. DuffettPresidentEastern University, Dakota Wesleyan University &amp; Palmer Theological Seminary Leadership positions at several other academic institutions...","og_url":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/2026\/08\/17\/ready-for-retirement\/","og_site_name":"ChurchStaffing","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/churchstaffing\/","article_published_time":"2026-08-17T18:48:34+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-08-17T18:48:37+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@churchstaff","twitter_site":"@churchstaff","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"MMBB","Est. reading time":"16 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/2026\/08\/17\/ready-for-retirement\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/2026\/08\/17\/ready-for-retirement\/"},"author":{"name":"","@id":""},"headline":"Ready for retirement?","datePublished":"2026-08-17T18:48:34+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-17T18:48:37+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/2026\/08\/17\/ready-for-retirement\/"},"wordCount":3594,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/#organization"},"articleSection":["Church Leadership"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/2026\/08\/17\/ready-for-retirement\/","url":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/2026\/08\/17\/ready-for-retirement\/","name":"Ready for retirement? - ChurchStaffing","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-08-17T18:48:34+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-17T18:48:37+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/2026\/08\/17\/ready-for-retirement\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/2026\/08\/17\/ready-for-retirement\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/2026\/08\/17\/ready-for-retirement\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Ready for retirement?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/","name":"ChurchStaffing","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/#organization","name":"ChurchStaffing","url":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/churchstaffing-425x215-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/churchstaffing-425x215-1.png","width":425,"height":215,"caption":"ChurchStaffing"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/churchstaffing\/","https:\/\/x.com\/churchstaff"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"","url":""}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1384","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1384"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1384\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1391,"href":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1384\/revisions\/1391"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1384"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1384"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.churchstaffing.com\/articles-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1384"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}