LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2001, Page 76

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76 SYNODICAL REPORTS

Pension Plan for Pastors and Teachers

Prior to the inception of the three Concordia Plans, the Pension
Plan tor Pastors and Teachers (PPPT) was the only pension pro-
gram for pastors and teachers of the Synod. This program provides
retirement and disability benefits for its members as well as bene-
fits for surviving dependents of a deceased member.

When the Concordia Plans were established in 1965, new en-
rollments in the PPPT ceased. However, 970 members who are still
actively working maintain an account balance and will ultimately
receive benefits from this plan.

There are 4,659 individuals currently receiving benefits as re-
tired members. disabled members, or surviving dependents of de-
ceased members.

2000 (unaudited) 1999 1998
$20,385,000 $13,225,000 $12,850,000

Benefits Paid

Supplemental Benefits Program

This program provides additional benefits to eligible retired
members and dependents of deceased members if their total
monthly benefit is below the established “minimum benefit.” At
present the minimum benefit is $250 per month for a retired mem-
ber and $150 per month for a surviving dependent. Also, a lump-
sum death benefit is provided. Such additional benefits are pro-
vided out of the budget of the Synod.

1997/1998
$564,000

1999/2000
$462,000

1998/1999
$501,000

Benefits Paid

Support Benefits Program
Special Assistance Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial aid to eligi-
ble disabled workers, retired workers, and dependents of deceased
workers. Funds are provided out of the Synod’s budget. The
amount of assistance is based on demonstrated need and is deter-
mined in accordance with established guidelines. Financial assis-
tance is currently being provided for 36 individuals under the Sup-
port Program.

2000 (unaudited) 1999 1998
$312,000 $294,000 $280,000

Annual Payments

Included in the above figures are benefits paid for a Special As-
sistance Program, which provides an assured monthly income for
50 older and needy retired pastors and teachers and widows of such
retired workers.

Accident Insurance Programs

The Travel Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
Program is provided for members of boards, commissions, com-
mittees, and designated members of staff of the Synod. About
2.623 individuals have this $100,000 coverage.

The Travel Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
Program for Foreign Missionaries is a program for foreign mis-
sionaries and their dependents and covers 241 people. The cover-
age for the missionary is $50,000, $20,000 for spouse, and $10,000
for each child.

The All-Cause Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insur-
ance Program is available to all workers participating in the Con-
cordia Plans. There are 8.920 workers participating, with insurance
amounts ranging from $25,000 to $300,000.

Challenges/Summary

In addition to what has already taken place, the board and staff
of the Worker Benefit Plans envisions other important challenges
in the near future. They are

2001 Convention Workbook

¢ Transition all remaining Prudential managed-care members to
other networks due to Aetna’s purchase of Prudential.

¢ Streamline the computer system to better serve members and con-
tinue to ensure their privacy and confidentiality.

* Redesign the Concordia Disability and Survivor Plan to provide
more flexibility in benefits for those needing to utilize the plan.

¢ Switch to a managed dental care program for workers in the Con-
cordia Health Plan to help reduce the cost of dental care to the
LCMS.

* Move all remaining out-of-network members of the Concordia
Health Plan into a managed care network to help reduce the cost
of health care to the LCMS.

¢ Evaluate the potential of adding “choice” to the health benefits.

¢ Evaluate the potential of adopting a “One Plan—Al] Plans” policy
(if in one Concordia Plan, then must participate in all three Con-
cordia Plans).

Many changes have occurred in the Worker Benefit Plans
within the last three years, not to mention the last 35! Through all
the changes, the Board of Managers—Worker Benefit Plans and
the entire Worker Benefit Plans staff remain committed and dedi-
cated to providing the best possible service and programs for
church workers. As we reflect upon the past 35 years and prepare
for the future, the Worker Benefit Plans continues to look for ways
to faithfully carry out its ministry to assist others telling the Good
News about Jesus. May God bless our efforts to remain faithful to
our mission to support LCMS ministries by providing dynamic
health, disability, retirement, and death benefits for church workers
and their families.

Guy E. Miller, Chairman
Dan A. Leeman, Executive Director

R7-01
First Vice-President

As the triennium draws to a close, once again I give thanks to
the Lord of the church for the privilege of serving Him and The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod by calling me to serve Him in
the office of First Vice-President. Thanks also to you, the members
of the congregations of the LCMS, for the opportunity to provide
service to you.

In my report to the 1998 convention I listed the various respon-
sibilities the Bylaws and policies of the Synod place on the First
Vice-President. Since they really have not changed, I will not re-
peat them here. By God’s grace I have tried to fulfil those respon-
sibilities to the best of my ability. In addition, I again served at the
appointment of the President as a member of the Board of Regents
at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, as well as a
member of the Church Growth Study Committee. The committee
has completed its work and submitted its report (sent out to the
church by the President’s office in the January 2001 issue of the
Reporter and included in this workbook).

One area of my work that I feel deserves special comment is
being a part of the Colloquy Committee for Pastoral Ministry (the
First Vice-President is also chairman of the Teacher Colloquy
Committee, but each of the universities is completely responsible
for its colloquy students). Working with pastors of other Christian
denominations and lay ministers with at least 10 years of Word and
Sacrament ministry experience whose congregations desire them
to be ordained has been very interesting, very rewarding, and a real
blessing (statistics shown in the BHE report). This includes the eth-
nic pastors (e.g., Korean) who choose to come into our minis-
terium. I do not cease to be amazed at and impressed by these com-