The benefits office has been hard at work on an exciting project to transition the clergy compensation form from paper to digital. The new form will be used beginning with the 2027 compensation year, meaning it will roll out later this summer and fall during the church conference season. The digital compensation form will be available through the conference database, Brick River.
This change is intended to simplify the compensation process for churches, clergy, and conference staff alike. The current paper compensation form can be lengthy and sometimes confusing, with more than 30 possible fields. The new online form will streamline the experience by displaying only the sections that apply to a particular clergy person, based on their membership and appointment status.
In addition to simplifying data entry, the new system will help ensure accuracy. Under the online process, there will be only one active compensation form on file for each clergy person at any given time. If updates or corrections are needed, the previous version will be replaced with a new submission, eliminating confusion about which form is the most current. There will no longer be multiple copies floating around!
As with any transition, we recognize that moving to a new system may raise questions, require adjustments, and even cause some consternation. Over the coming months, additional information, instructions, and support resources will be shared to help churches and clergy prepare for the change, including more articles and webinars. Our goal is to walk alongside you throughout the process and make the transition as smooth as possible.
Another change that comes with this transition is that all compensation forms will be handled by the benefits office. While you normally would have interfaced with the district office, especially the executive assistant to the district superintendent, all questions, concerns, and issues will now be directed to the benefits office. Make sure to put us on speed dial!
One important preparatory step is already underway. We are asking churches to verify that the correct church council chair, leadership board chair, or other appropriate leader is listed in Brick River, along with a current email address. This individual will approve the clergy compensation form in the new system once it’s submitted. Please complete updates by June 25, 2026, by logging in to your church’s Brick River dashboard. If you need assistance, please reach out to Pamela Stewart.
We are so excited about this move! We know it will ultimately be a wonderful new way of doing things. We also know there will be some headaches as we transition. Again, we are here to support you throughout this process. Please reach out to the Benefits Office at any time.
Last Updated on May 31, 2026