Pension & Benefits – Susquehanna Conference UMC

Pensions & Benefits

Sustaining those who sustain the Church

At the heart of ministry is service - and those who serve deserve to be cared for in body, mind, and spirit. The Board of Pensions & Health Benefits of the Susquehanna Conference is committed to the well-being of clergy, lay employees, and their families (active and retired) so that all can lead vibrant ministries and live healthy, faithful lives.

Rooted in the biblical vision of the Church as one body, we believe that caring for one another is an act of discipleship and stewardship. Through shared resources and wise planning, we help ensure that those who answer God’s call to ministry are equipped, supported, and sustained - both now and into retirement.

Working in collaboration with Wespath Benefits and Investments, we provide health coverage, retirement planning, financial education, and holistic well-being resources that reflect our shared mission: to care for those who care for us.

Health Insurance

We partner with Wespaths HealthFlex Exchange to offer comprehensive health insurance plans for active clergy, conference employees, and retirees. These plans provide flexibility and choice so that you can select the coverage that best meets your family’s needs.

Quick Links

Helpful Resources

Well-Being

Your well-being is multi-dimensional, touching every part of life and ministry. When those who serve are healthy and whole, the entire body of Christ is strengthened. The Susquehanna Conference encourages clergy and employees to nurture all five dimensions of well-being - Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Social, and Financial - through Wespath programs and resources that help you thrive with energy, joy and resilience.

Physical Well-Being

Caring for your body is an act of stewardship - of the life and energy God has entrusted to you. Physical wellness comes from consistent movement, balanced nutrition, and intentional preventative care. Staying active and managing chronic conditions not only strengthen your body but also sustain your energy, lift your mood, and build resilience for the work and relationships that matter most.

HealthFlex Programs for Physical Well-Being:

Personify Health - a program to help you reach your well-being goals
Health Coaching - guidance to help you reduce risks
Diabetes Management - for those at risk for diabetes or heart disease
Weight Watchers - discounted pricing on WW membership fees

Emotional Well-Being

Your emotional health shapes how you live, lead, and connect with others. Caring for your inner life helps you handle stress, navigate change, and find balance in daily life and ministry. It’s okay to ask for help - seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Wespath offers resources to nurture your mental and emotional wellness, from self-guided tools to professional counseling.

HealthFlex Programs for Emotional Well-Being:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - confidential counseling and support
MDLIVE Behavioral Health - virtual behavioral health services

Spiritual Well-Being

Your spiritual life is the foundation of your wholeness and peace. Nurturing your relationship with God through prayer, meditation, worship, and reflection helps you stay centered and grounded - especially when serving others. Taking time for personal spiritual growth renews your spirit, deepens your sense of purpose, and sustains you in both life and ministry.

Learn more about Spiritual Well-Being resources.

Social Well-Being

We are created for connection. Building and nurturing meaningful relationships with family, friends, and community strengthens your sense of belonging and supports your overall health. Make time for shared experiences - whether it’s a walk with a friend, volunteering together, or simply gathering for conversation. Investing in relationships renews joy, builds resilience, and reminds us we’re never alone on the journey.

Learn more about Social Well-Being resources.

Financial Well-Being

Sound financial health creates stability, reduces stress, and frees you to focus on what matters most - your calling and your relationships. Financial well-being isn’t about how much you earn, but how wisely you manage what you have. By cultivating health money habits, planning for retirement, and using available resources with care, you can build confidence and peace of mind for the future.

Learn more about Financial Well-Being resources.

Retirement Planning

Faithful service deserves faithful support through life’s transitions. The Susquehanna Conference partners with Wespath to help clergy and employees prepare for a secure and purposeful retirement

Compass - Clergy Retirement Plan

Compass is an account-based defined contribution retirement plan for eligible clergy of The United Methodist Church designed to help clergy optimize their retirement income with the ability to leave their account balance to their beneficiaries. Through shared responsibility, clergy accumulate an account balance during their active ministry and have flexibility to receive their income during retirement.

UM Personal Investment Plan - Lay Employee Plan

Financial Planning Support

Wespath partners with EY Financial Planning Services to offer confidential, objective financial counseling at no additional cost to eligible participants. These services are available to all active participants and surviving spouses with an account balance in Wespath-administered plans, as well as to terminated and retired participants with an account balance of at least $10,000.

EY Financial Brochure PDF

Retired Clergy Benefits

Retirement is not the end of ministry - it’s a new chapter of service, reflection, and community. We continue to walk with our retired clergy and their families through ongoing support and benefits coordination.

Resources for Retirees

Pensions & Benefits Contacts:

Mark Knecht
Conference Benefits Officer

Chris Sims
Benefits Administrator

Richard Conklin
Chair
Board of Pensions & Health Benefits