Mid council leaders, Board of Pensions continue their partnership in responding to General Assembly

Dear Siblings in Christ, 

Representatives from the Association of Mid Council Leaders (AMCL) and the Board of Pensions gathered for our third and fourth meetings recently to continue open and meaningful conversations. Together we are answering General Assembly’s call to partner on helping small congregations and pastors with family coverage [226th General Assembly (2024) item GAEC-28].

Image

In October 2025, we reviewed qualitative research that was sponsored by the Board of Pensions and conducted by a third-party research partner, Research America. As a complement to 2025 medical enrollment data, this national study sought to understand how ministers and congregational decision-makers navigated 2025 benefits decisions for members and dependent family members when the dues packages became available in 2024. We reviewed emerging Medical Plan cost trends and challenges in the healthcare system as well as the current subsidies, such as percent of salary dues, that exist in both the Congregational Pastors Package and Transitional Pastor’s Participation. 

We also discussed potential enhancements to the Assistance Program to support pastors with child care needs for young children and additional dues subsidies that would ease financial burdens for congregations, pastors and their families. These enhancements and subsidies were discussed in more detail when we met again in January 2026. 

To ensure that stated clerks and executive presbyters have a clear understanding of these potential subsidies and enhancements and the rationale behind them, the Board of Pensions will be hosting a virtual town hall on Thursday, Feb. 26, for all mid council leaders. These potential subsidies and enhancements will be voted on at the Board of Directors meeting March 7. If approved, the dues subsidies would have an effective date of January 1, 2027, and the child care grant would be effective April 1, 2026. 

During these conversations throughout 2025 and into 2026, meeting participants gained a shared and deeper understanding of the realities faced by congregations and pastoral leadership in covering the cost of medical coverage, and of how broader dysfunction of the U.S. health care system continues to put pressure on the Medical Plan. This clarity has strengthened our commitment to discern solutions that are both fiscally responsible and faithful to the Church’s call to support those who serve. 

Peace,

The Rev. Susan C. McGhee
Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Ohio Valley
President, Association of Mid Council Leaders

Andrew J. Browne
Executive Vice President, Engagement and Church Relations, The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Mid council representatives
The Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, Synod Leader, Synod of the Northeast; past President, AMCL

The Rev. Dr. Craig Howard, Executive Presbyter, Chicago

The Rev. Susan C. McGhee, Executive Presbyter, Ohio Valley; President, AMCL

The Rev. Dr. Brad Munroe, Presbytery Pastor, Grand Canyon and de Cristo

Ruling Elder Maureen Wright, Lead Presbyter and Stated Clerk, West Virginia

Board of Pensions management representatives
Andrew J. Browne, Executive Vice President, Engagement and Church Relations

Monica Buonincontri, Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Patricia M. Haines, Executive Vice President, Chief Benefits Officer

Todd Ingves, Vice President, Health & Well-Being

Kelly Riley, Executive Vice President, Plan Operations

The Rev. Dr. Frank Clark Spencer, President

Vivian D. Wesson, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary

Board of Pensions Board of Directors representatives

The Rev. Jeremy T. Campbell

Fred Gamble

Krysten Holloway

The Rev. Joey Lee

S. Bradley Perkins, Esq.

The Rev. Fernando Rodríguez

Interim Unified Agency representatives

The Rev. Sarah Moore-Nokes