Interim Pastors: The Financial and Health Insurance Challenge

Interim ministry is a specialized calling.

In collaboration with the Association and Conference, an Interim Pastor serves a congregation through a time of transition between the departure of a settled pastor and call of a new pastoral leader. The Interim Ministry Network (IMN) of which the United Church of Christ is a partner organization, notes that during a period of pastoral transition, “the congregation needs an experienced pastoral leader who can fill the interim time, help to heal any wounds or sense of loss the congregation may be suffering, discover and explore their purpose and mission, and provide a continuation in ministry—in preaching and pastoral caring.”

Among UCC authorized ministers, there are pastors who have devoted their entire ministry to interim work, as well as ones who serve both interim and settled calls in the course of their careers. Some pastors bring their experience and gifts to interim settings in retirement. Intentional interim pastors are those who have received training in the dynamics and best practices of transitional ministry, through IMN or other recognized organizations. The UCC Search and Call guidelines specify that, “The ethics of professional transitional ministry dictate that no minister serving under interim terms of call is eligible to be considered a candidate for the settled position when it becomes available.”

Similar to settled pastors, interims enter into a Call Agreement with the congregation that specifies a pastoral compensation package including benefits such as pension contributions to the Lifetime Retirement Income Plan for the United Church of Christ and the UCC Health, Dental, Life Insurance, and Disability coverage for the duration of the call.  

However, unlike settled pastors who may go directly from one call to another, interims may have periods in which they are not engaged in pastoral service. If you are enrolled in any of the available UCC benefits plans, this can mean a potential interruption in coverage.

How do I ensure that health benefits for me (and my covered dependents) are uninterrupted in between interim calls?

 Once your interim call ends, and if you are not immediately beginning a new call, you may continue coverage on a self-pay basis.

•  If you are under age 53, you may continue to pay the applicable premium directly to the Plan for up to 24 months or until you begin working in a UCC setting for 20 hours or more.
• If you are 53 or older, you may continue paying the premium to the Plan indefinitely.

(For additional information, please refer to the Continuation of Coverage section in the Health Plan Highlights booklet.)

What if I cannot afford to make payments to continue my (and my dependents’) coverage?

The United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA), the charitable arm of the Pension Boards, offers emergency grants to help pay Health Plan premiums for up to two quarters in between interim calls. For additional information, visit the Emergency Grants page on the PBUCC website, view this resource,  or email [email protected].

How do I continue my coverage under the UCC Life Insurance and Disability Income Benefits Plan?

UCC Life Insurance and Disability Income Benefits are provided through a partnership with MetLife. When your interim call concludes, and if you are not entering into another call immediately, you may continue your coverage under an individual policy through MetLife. No medical exam is required if you apply within 30 days of the termination of coverage.

If you are a member of the Association of UCC Intentional Interim Ministers (AUCCIIM), you are eligible to continue UCC Life Insurance and Disability Income Benefit Plan coverage for up to one year through the Pension Boards upon termination of employment.

(For additional information, please refer to the UCC Life Insurance and Disability Income Benefits Plan highlights booklet.)

As an interim minister, you bring a deep love of Christ’s Church and unique skills as you accompany a congregation in transition. The Pension Boards is committed to working with you to support your vital call.

Additional resources:

• UCC Non-Medicare Health and Dental Plan Highlights
• UCC Life Insurance and Disability Income Benefits Plan Highlights
• Search and Call in the United Church of Christ
• Association of United Church of Christ Intentional Interim Ministers (AUCCIIM)
• Guide to Pastoral Search and Call for Intentional Interim Pastors
• Interim Ministry Network (IMN; offers transitional ministry training to ecumenical and interfaith leaders)
• Center for Congregational Health (Intentional Interim Minister and Transition Consultant Training)
• The Appreciative Way (training and coaching programs for faith leaders)