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Benefits

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Housing Exclusion

Benefit Newsletter header (650 x 250 px)

UMPIP Contributions Bill July 1

When I served in the local church, I often felt that I had adequately communicated information to the congregation. I’m sure you’re familiar with this perennial problem. It’s been shared…

Click here for the 2025 Clergy Compensation Recommendation Form and the 2025 DSA Compensation Recommendation Form.

Benefits Staff

Joel Walther

Director of Conference Benefits and Coordinator of HR
517-347-4030 ext. 4110
jwalther@michiganumc.org

The Director of Conference Benefits oversees all benefits related to annual conference clergy, conference staff, and employees of related agencies. This includes Retirement Plans (Pension), Welfare Plans (Disability and Death), Conference Health Care Plans, and Conference Payrolls.
What if…

  • What if I have a change regarding dependents on my health care plan?
  • What if I have a question regarding my benefits, either now or in the future?
  • What if I have questions how an appointment beyond the local church or in another conference might affect my benefits in retirement?
  • What if there is a death in a clergy family?

John KostenJohn Kosten
Benefits Coordinator
517-347-4030 ext. 4111
Direct Line: 810-233-0504
jkosten@michiganumc.org

The benefits administrator is currently responsible for administering the Michigan Conference health insurance and pension benefits.
What if…

  • What if I have a question about a  local church or retiree health care monthly billing?
  • What if I have a question about a monthly pension billing amount?
  • What if I have Wespath related questions?
  • How do I enroll in the Virgin Pulse program?

Jennifer GertzJennifer Gertz
Executive Assistant to the Benefits Office
517-347-4030 ext. 4112
Direct Line: 810-233-0447
jgertz@michiganumc.org

The executive assistant is responsible for the basic administrative work for the benefit’s department.
What If…

  • What if I need to find something on the Benefits or HR web pages?
  • What if I need benefits forms?
  • What if I have a question about health insurance coverage, or have a problem with a claim?
  • What if I don't know who to call in the Benefits Office?
  • Do I qualify for the Omada program and  how do I enroll?
  • How do I access the Employment Assistance Program (EAP)?

Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits

The Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) “…shall have charge of the interests and work of proving pensioning of clergy and their families, other church workers, and lay employees of the institutions, organization, and agencies within that annual conference of The United Methodist Church, except as otherwise provided for by the general board.” (¶639 of the 2016 The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church)

Rev. Joel Walther, Director of Conference Benefits and Coordinator of HR
jwalther@michiganumc.org

Rev. Amy Mayo-Moyle, CBOPHB Chair

 

Plans to give you hope and a future - Jeremiah 29:11

Last Updated on April 3, 2025

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The Michigan Conference