You Preach Generosity. You Deserve Security.
Ministry life is rich in meaning. But when it comes to retirement planning, pastors and church staff often find themselves navigating a maze of complex tax rules, unclear options, and plans designed for someone else entirely.
- Are you unsure how or where to begin saving for retirement?
- Is your church struggling to offer a retirement benefit without taking on extra administrative burden?
- Are you uncertain whether your current savings will actually support you in retirement?
You should not have to choose between serving your calling and securing your future. We exist to make sure you never have to.
Peace of Mind Is Part of the Mission
At Servant Solutions, our mission is simple: serving those who serve. Since 1949, we have walked alongside pastors, church staff, and ministry leaders, helping them build financial futures as strong as their faith.
We take the complexity out of faith-based retirement planning by offering straightforward guidance rooted in biblical principles. When your financial future is secure, you are free to lead your congregation with confidence, clarity, and complete peace of mind.
Trusted Stewardship. Protected Futures. Eternal Impact.
A Retirement Plan Built for Ministry
The Servant Solutions Retirement Plan is a 403(b)(9) church plan, a retirement vehicle specifically designed for churches and ministry organizations. Unlike generic retirement plans, ours unlocks tax advantages exclusive to ministers and church staff.
Plan Type
A 403(b)(9) defined contribution church plan, purpose-built for churches.
Who Can Participate
Pastors, church staff, missionaries, credentialed ministers, and lay workers receiving W-2 compensation from a Plan-approved church or organization, whether full-time, part-time, or bi-vocational.
Ways to Contribute
Employers
Make tax-sheltered contributions on behalf of eligible employees.
Employees
Elect to have contributions withheld directly from your paycheck on a pre-tax or after-tax basis. A Roth option is also available for after-tax contributions.
How Your Savings Can Grow
- Lifefunds: age-based mutual funds calibrated to your risk horizon
- Mutual Funds: individual fund selection for experienced investors
- Fixed Income Option: a stable, out-of-market option with a stated rate of return
Built to Serve More Ministries Like Yours
Servant Solutions is a nonprofit endorsed agency of the Church of God in Anderson, Indiana. Our retirement plan serves pastors, missionaries, church staff, and other ministry employees who receive compensation through a qualifying church or organization.
That includes more than clergy. It can also include teachers, administrators, and other team members who support the mission every day.
Not Part of the Church of God?
You may still be eligible. We also serve churches and nonprofit ministries that share common religious beliefs and convictions with the Church of God. That includes organizations from other denominations, as well as ministries like Youth for Christ chapters and Independent Christian Churches.
If you are unsure whether your organization qualifies, we would be glad to help you find out.
Why Churches Choose Servant Solutions
The Housing Allowance Advantage
Retired ministers receiving income from the Servant Solutions Retirement Plan may designate a portion of that income as a tax-free housing allowance. Contributions go in pre-tax and qualified distributions come out tax-free.
Zero Cost to Get Started
Your church can begin offering the plan to staff at no charge. There is no minimum contribution required to open an account, nor is there a minimum monthly contribution.
Exceptionally Low Fees
Our nonprofit status means we are not driven by profit; we are driven by purpose. We keep fees low, so more of your retirement dollars stay where they belong: working for you.
No Social Security Tax on Employer Contributions
Employer contributions are not subject to Social Security tax or income tax at the time of contribution. Minister pre-tax contributions are also exempt from Social Security tax.
Tax-Deferred Growth
All contributions and earnings grow tax-deferred, helping your retirement savings compound more effectively over time.
Flexible Distributions
Rollover funds from eligible retirement plans or Traditional IRAs without tax consequence. Required distributions at age 73 can be delayed if you are still working.
Free Financial Education and Guidance
Every Servant Solutions member has access to our Toolbox Series, live webinars, and free consultations with our financial planning professionals, including one-on-one sessions through the Servant Solutions Financial Roadmap process.
Trusted by Churches Across the Country
I’m the third generation in my family to participate in the Servant Solutions retirement plan. And I can tell you, it’s been tremendously helpful to our family on many levels. For me to have entered the Plan almost 39 years ago and then to have a church that provided a match along with whatever I contributed, has been a tremendous blessing. Now, I’m closer to that magic moment of retiring, and because of Servant Solutions, I’m prepared. I’m ready for it. And I’m very thankful for them and their approach to managing money.
Dr. Marty Grubbs, Lead Pastor
Crossings Community Church
Trusted by Churches Across the Country
We are a small association of churches that have a majority of bi-vocational pastors. Servant Solutions has been a wonderful fit for our group. We were pleasantly surprised at their diligence to take time for a small group of churches like ours. They take such care in helping church leaders understand the benefits and breaks that are given to ministers within the hairy retirement jargon. Their time and effort in sharing this information with us were so valuable to our bi-vocational pastors and church leaders.
Marshall Daigre, Pastor
Association of Independent Methodists
Trusted by Churches Across the Country
I began full-time ministry at Metropolitan Church of God in Detroit, Michigan straight out of seminary at Anderson University. Fortunately, Dr. Robert O. Dulin, Jr., the senior pastor at the time, insisted that I partner with the congregation and begin preparations for my retirement from Day 1. Now, 20 years and an additional congregation later, I still entrust my retirement funds to Servant Solutions. The process to contribute, set goals and track funds online is very easy. Whenever I have had market-related questions about investment risk versus rewards, the team has been there to guide me. I would encourage every pastor, especially, those newly launching into ministry to partner with Servant Solutions to prepare for the future and avoid potential angst at retirement.
Rev. Kevin W. Earley, D.Min., Senior Pastor
Community Church
members served
in assets under stewardship.
of trusted service
Path to Peace of Mind
1
Connect With Our Team
Schedule a conversation with a compassionate advisor who will listen to your story, understand your goals, and answer your questions, personally, not through an automated system.
2
Build a Customized Plan
Receive a faith-aligned retirement strategy tailored specifically to your ministry role. Your Financial Roadmap is crafted with your unique needs, timeline, and calling in mind.
3
Start the enrollment process
- To begin the process, review the Enrollment Checklist.
- If your employer is already enrolled with Servant Solutions and you’re ready to start a retirement account with us, complete the Retirement Account Enrollment process.
Serve with Confidence
Move forward knowing your financial future is secure. Lead your congregation wholeheartedly, empowered by the peace of mind Servant Solutions provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate in the Servant Solutions Retirement Plan?
Pastors, credentialed ministers, missionaries, and lay workers receiving W-2 compensation from a Plan-approved church or organization are eligible. Participants may be full-time, part-time, or bi-vocational. If your church is not affiliated with the Church of God (Anderson, IN) but shares common religious bonds and convictions, you may still qualify; contact us to find out.
What makes a 403(b)(9) church plan different from a standard 403(b)?
A 403(b)(9) plan is specifically designed for churches and eligible ministries. Its most significant advantage is the ability for retired ministers to designate retirement income as a tax-free housing allowance; a benefit unavailable through standard retirement plans.
Does my church have to pay anything to get started?
No. Churches can begin offering the Servant Solutions plan to their staff at no charge, with no minimum contribution amounts required.
Are there biblically responsible investment options?
Our financial planning and stewardship approach is rooted in biblical principles. For members who desire it, we also offer biblically responsible and screened investment options that seek to align their portfolios with their Christian values.
What financial education resources are available?
All Servant Solutions members have access to the Toolbox Series, free webinars, the Principal Retirement Wellness Planner, and personalized Financial Roadmap sessions with our on-staff advisors. For members over 50, we also offer the Overture retreat experience, a focused financial-readiness program grounded in biblical financial principles.
How do I get started?
Contact our team or visit our enrollment page to begin. We will walk you through every step and make the process as simple as possible.