By Jestin Davis
Employee Benefits Director, Lightwell Insurance Advisors
Let’s talk about people. The people who work for your ministry are doing so because they are devoted to a calling – a calling to care for others, to serve. But how are they being served by your ministry when it comes to employee benefits?
This is a very important question. Are you being a good steward of how you're taking care of them so that they can effectively, freely take care of others?
When I talk to ministry leaders, I often start by laying the groundwork: what are the core components of a benefits package? Sure, there are the basics—health insurance, retirement planning, maybe dental and vision—but ministry isn’t just another workplace. It’s not corporate. It’s not even your typical nonprofit. Ministry has its own rhythm, its own challenges, and its own opportunities.
That’s why I always say, “Ministries aren’t off-the-shelf. So, their benefits plans shouldn’t be either.”
Small Budget? Big Impact Still Possible
One of the most common things I hear is, “We’re a small ministry. We don’t have a big staff or a big budget. Does this even apply to us?” And my answer is always, “Yes, it does.”
If budget is the concern, there are options. You just need to ask the right questions or work with the right kind of specialist to understand what those options are. There are meaningful ways to offer benefits—even if you're small. It’s about being intentional and informed.
Health and Retirement: More than Just Perks
Health insurance is one of the pillars of a good benefits plan. And in the ministry world, we’re seeing trends that mirror the broader market—rising costs, more plan options, and a growing need for clarity. But what’s unique in ministry is how those plans are communicated and understood. People don’t always know what they have until they need it. And when they do, surprises are never good.
Retirement planning is another big one. And it’s nuanced. Are your employees ordained? Are they considered self-employed for tax purposes? These things matter. And they’re often overlooked. But helping your team plan for their future is one of the most powerful ways you can show you care.
Benefits Are a Ministry Tool
I’ve seen firsthand how a strong benefits plan can impact recruitment and retention. When there’s a good plan in place, it’s like having more income. It makes people want to join—and stay. And that’s not just good for your staff. It’s good for your mission.
Start with Your People, Not the Product
If you’re just beginning to build out your benefits plan, here’s my advice: don’t start with the product. Start with your people. Who are they? What do they need? What are their families like? What are their concerns?
Then, build a plan that fits them—not the other way around.
Wrapping Up
Many of the people working in ministry are already making sacrifices. They’ve chosen a path of service. They shouldn’t have to sacrifice taking care of themselves or their families. That’s why it’s so important for ministries to take great care of their teams.
And that’s why I do what I do. Because when ministries are empowered with the right tools and the right knowledge, they can build benefits plans that truly serve the people who serve others.
Watch Jestin's full interview here, or listen to The Lightwell Podcast on your favorite streaming service.
