News Release -- 1998

Annual Conference Approves Expanded Financial Vision

Effective July 1, 1998, new purpose and function statements are guiding the work of the BBT: The expanded mission of the Brethren Benefit Trust, as approved by Annual Conference, is "to support the financial well being of the Church of the Brethren and other persons and groups that share the values of the Church of the Brethren."

Expanded Services

The key words for the expanded ministry will be "to provide financial programs and services" which respond to the needs and interests of local churches, church members, church agencies and employees, including but not limited to

• Pension benefit plans
• Welfare benefit plans
• Financial assistance programs
• Legal and tax information
• Financial management consulting and training
• Financial operations administration and support
• Information systems development and management
• Investment management
• Mutual insurance products
• Financial and estate planning
• Deferred gifts development and management

The principal source of funding shall be fees for services as established by BBT and related organizational entities.

Old Services Continue

The BBT will continue to provide these services:

• Church of the Brethren Pension Plan
• Retired Church Workers Fund which was renamed the
• Church Workers' Assistance Plan
• The Equitable Annuity Plan;
• Supplemental Income for Equitable Annuitants (SIFEA)
• Brethren Medical, Life, and Long Term Disability Plans
• Brethren Foundation Programs (asset management, deferred gifts management, and technical assistance)