I have exciting news! MI Benefits Guy has become MI Dad Guy, temporarily. My family welcomed a new addition into our home, and as you read this, I am on parental leave.
It’s a moment of deep gratitude for me—gratitude for the awesome benefits team in the Michigan Conference that is helping me during this time. Gratitude that the Discipline makes it available. Gratitude for the gifts God is giving me during this phase of my life.
It’s also a wonderful time to remind you that the Discipline gives clergy the right to take up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave. For some, arranging this can be challenging because it means that the church they serve must continue paying their salary and potentially cover the cost of pulpit supply while they are away.
That’s why I want to remind you that the Michigan Conference provides Parental Leave Pulpit Supply Funds, up to $200 per week, to cover pulpit supply and potentially some emergency pastoral care. We will provide this support for 8 weeks, with up to an additional 5 weeks if the church continues to pay the clergy’s salary.
I hope that if you’re unaware of this option, you’ll consider taking advantage of it. MI Benefits Guy wants you to take the leave you need for your family. I’m trying to live that out by example right now!
Finally, while I’m away, there will be a pause in the 3 Minutes 4 Your Benefit videos. It seemed like something easy to put on hold while I’m on leave, and I’ll be excited to return to it when I’m back. There is an episode recorded for this month, but there won’t be one for November or December. MI Benefits Guy will see you in the new year!
Last Updated on October 20, 2025