Mission Statement 

Embodying the covenantal spirit of the United Church of Christ, we…

• provide direct support to authorized ministers and lay church employees whose circumstances call for compassionate responses and
• offer specialized initiatives and insightful witness to promote sustainable ministry within the church.

The Ministry of the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance Includes:

Supplementation of Small Annuities 

The General Synod of the United Church of Christ adopted a Plan for supplementing small annuities of retired clergy and lay employees and their widowed spouses/qualified same-gender domestic partners (QSGDP). Individuals who qualify may receive monthly payments to bring total pension income up to a minimum level set annually by authority of General Synod, upon recommendation from the Pension Boards.

Supplementation of Health Premiums for Annuitants 

Subsidies for the UCC Medicare Supplement Plan with Rx are provided to eligible individuals so that they can afford and receive quality health care in their retirement years.  

Emergency Grants

Sometimes those who serve the Church, active or retired, need our help and emergency grants are available as one-time assistance for unforeseen circumstances that have created financial demands.

Christmas “Thank You” Gift Checks

A special gift at Christmas time that reminds retired, lower income UCC clergy/lay employees, our “Veterans of the Cross," that they have not been forgotten and that the Church is grateful for their service.

Ministerial Assistance Monthly Grants 

These grants are for eligible persons whose retirement or disability income is insufficient to meet reasonable living expenses.

Scholarships for Children of Disabled or Deceased Ordained Ministers 

University and Seminary Scholarships are available for eligible children of disabled or deceased ministers of the United Church of Christ.

New Church Start Benefit Support

Since 2008, the UCBMA has approved a grant of up to $100,000 per year to assist new church start or renewing church pastors with the cost of health, dental, and/or pension benefits.   The initiative is in cooperation with UCC Local Church Ministries and UCC Conferences.    

Annuitant Visitor Program

The Annuitant Visitor Program seeks to provide an annual visit to over 6,000 retired clergy, lay employees, and their spouses in the United Church of Christ family. Through these visits care and compassion is shared with those who have served the Church.

Next Generation Leadership Initiative: Target 2030

NGLI: Target 2030 is a 20-year initiative to energize and support transformative young clergy for local churches in the United Church of Christ.  Each participant engages in a 10-year program that includes core curriculum, individualized continuing education, General Synod visits, learning visits in congregational settings and a peer group for support and networking.