As a pastor or ministry staff member, you probably know how to stretch a budget, live with less, and trust God for provision. You might even feel conflicted when the topic of retirement planning comes up.
After all, shouldn't we just trust the Lord to provide when the time comes?
Does saving and planning for the future suggest a lack of faith?
Isn’t that something other people think about—those outside of ministry?
We hear these questions often. And they’re worth asking. Because as people of faith, we view money differently. Stewardship isn’t just about balancing a budget—it’s about aligning our spending, saving, and giving with our eternal values.
So… what does the Bible say?
The Bible doesn’t talk about 403(b)(9) church retirement plans or ministerial housing allowances, but it does talk a lot about wisdom, planning, and stewardship. Proverbs 21:5 tells us,
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
In other words, intentional planning is not a sign of weak faith—it’s a mark of wisdom. God often provides through preparation, not in place of it.
Yet many in ministry avoid planning for retirement—not because they don’t care, but because it feels too complex, or frankly, too far off. Some are even afraid that if they start looking too closely at their finances, they’ll feel convicted about how little is being saved or how spending doesn’t match their values.
But here’s the truth: avoiding financial planning isn't faith—it’s often fear.
And faith invites us into freedom, not avoidance.
Ask yourself:
Am I spending more on things that aren’t eternal than on those that are?
Am I putting more into my retirement account than I’m giving to God’s work?
Or… am I giving so much away that I’ve neglected to prepare for my own future needs?
None of these are questions to shame—they’re invitations to bring your financial habits into the light of your faith.
At Servant Solutions, we’ve been helping ministry leaders for over 75 years build retirement plans that reflect biblical values and Kingdom purpose. We offer free financial planning, low fees, personalized guidance, and even provide tools like free legal documents and the Minister’s Housing Allowance in retirement.
We understand that your calling doesn’t end in retirement—and neither does your impact. Our goal is simple: to help you retire with hope, not uncertainty, and continue making a difference for God’s Kingdom.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. We invite our members to schedule your Financial Roadmap today. We’re here to serve those who serve.
Dr. Jerry Fox, CFP®
Director of Financial Planning
Nate Bowers
Director of Financial Education