Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2019 · 67th Convention, Tampa › Page 107

LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2019, Page 107

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
of lowering monetary costs and saving ministry administrators’
time. In 2018, CPS launched its new portal and benefits administration system. This system provides ministries with more Plan
management flexibility and options.
CPS is also working to drive positive health outcomes for
its members, which will lower claims cost, saving the Plans and
ministries money in the long term. In 2017, CPS returned $12
million to ministries in the form of a Health Stewardship Reward as a result of lower-than-expected claims costs.

Growing Plan Membership
CPS is focusing on membership growth in the Concordia
Plans. More workers participating in the Plans means that Plan
risks are spread across a larger pool. A greater number of participants also allows CPS to more broadly spread administrative
costs, making the Plans more affordable for everyone. In 2018,
CPS focused its growth efforts on participation in the Concordia
Retirement Savings Plan 403(b). Through surveys, focus groups,
and workshops, CPS learned more about the needs of ministries
and workers. Based on the feedback, CPS implemented changes
to the enrollment processes and communications. The result:
approximately 1,000 new Plan participants are now on the path
to saving for a secure retirement. CPS intends to continue to
reach out to ministries and workers about the importance of
saving for retirement, as well as ensuring all other solutions are
meeting needs and expectations.

Managing Risk
The financial health of the Plans remains a high priority.
CPS is committed to the ongoing responsible management of
these Plans to protect the promise made to LCMS workers for
their financial future.

Overcoming Demographic Challenges
with a Focus on Lutheran Education
A common question from members and church leaders
goes something like this: “With church membership and attendance in decline, how can CPS remain viable?” While it may be
true that there are fewer people in the pews on Sundays, parents
are choosing to bring their children to LCMS schools Monday
through Friday. CPS membership data shows that the total fulltime workforce of our ministries is stable to slightly growing.
This stability is driven primarily by Lutheran education. Lutheran education has always been an important part of our life
together, and it remains a critical component of our ministry
today! CPS sees that our ministries with schools will continue to
play a key role in sustaining and growing the Concordia Plans.
These ministries have unique and often unmet needs, and CPS
is committed to helping identify and meet those needs. One of
the biggest challenges of LCMS schools is the attraction and
retention of synodically trained educators. In 2018, CPS took
steps to better understand that issue.
CPS conducted comprehensive research to identify the
challenges and priorities of LCMS schools and educators, with
a special focus on commissioned teachers. This research included focus groups, interviews, and a survey sent to all educators in
the LCMS. CPS is pairing the learnings with employment data
to paint a picture of the current situation with commissioned
teachers and other challenges facing LCMS schools. In 2019,
CPS will share the findings with LCMS education leaders and
work together with them on solutions.

107

Overcoming Political Challenges
In the rapidly changing political climate, lawmakers are
considering measures that could infringe on religious freedom
or create compliance challenges for ministries. CPS is working
to protect LCMS ministries’ and workers’ rights to religious
freedom and tax-exemptions and exclusions.
As President and CEO of CPS, I am a member of the
Church Alliance, an organization built on supporting religious
freedom for church plans and their ministries. The Church Alliance strives to ensure that legislative and regulatory initiatives
continue to fully address, protect, and support the unique nature of retirement and health benefit plans operated by churches, religious institutions, and affiliated organizations. On Jan.
1, 2019, I became chair of that organization, and CPS General
Counsel Ann Stillman became secretary. Ann and I, on behalf
of the Church Alliance, have met with influential lawmakers
and staffers, along with various regulators, so the needs and interests of LCMS ministries are considered as laws and regulations are written. For example, the Church Alliance successfully
lobbied for the broadening of the religious exemption from the
Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive mandate, as well as for the
removal of several unfavorable items from tax reform legislation
in 2017. The Church Alliance is continuing critical conversations and proposals about issues impacting ministries and workers, such as the clergy housing allowance.

The Future Is Bright
CPS is committed to protecting the promise we have made
to LCMS workers to help provide for a secure and healthy future. We have found success with responsible management of
Plan assets, a focus on positive outcomes for workers in the
Plans, outreach to growing school ministries, and a coordinated
effort to listen to those we serve. Ministries are facing a number of challenges, but by coming together, those challenges can
be managed and ultimately overcome. CPS will build on recent
successes to grow participation in the Plans, improve the health
and financial wellness of workers, and partner with ministries to
overcome their workforce challenges. The future is bright!

With Heartfelt Gratitude
CPS would like to acknowledge and thank the CPS Board
members who have worked tirelessly to enhance the Plans and
serve the best interests of LCMS ministries and workers, especially those whose terms have ended. Those individuals include:
••

Mr. Phillip J. Fluegge, who served from 2007 to 2016

••

Mr. Frederick G. Kraegel, who served from 2006 to
2018, with nine of those years as chairman of the
boards

••

Mr. Mark E. Schmidtke, who served from 2006 to
2018, with nine of those years as vice chairman of
the boards

CPS is grateful for the opportunity to support ministries
and workers who spread the Word of God. We intend to take
full advantage of the opportunities God has granted us, walking
together with LCMS ministries to care for workers.
James F. (Jim) Sanft, President & CEO
2019 Convention Workbook