Act on What You Hear

I was recently blessed to hear a sermon based on a powerful passage from the book of James—what the New International Version (NIV) calls the “Listening and Doing” section (James 1:19–27). I especially appreciate how The Message paraphrase frames it more provocatively: “Act on What You Hear.”

James doesn’t mince words. Verse 22 has become known as the “just do it” verse—echoing Nike’s famous slogan. The NIV puts it plainly: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

The Message drives it home: “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!”

At NBUSA, we frequently talk with ministers about retirement. These conversations often fall into two camps: those with ministers and churches who acted on what they heard and those who didn’t (at least not yet). Sadly, far too many are still in the second group.

In most secular workplaces, employees benefit from a centralized Human Resources department that manages payroll and employee benefits, provides reminders, and ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Most local Nazarene churches, however, do not have the luxury of a dedicated HR professional. This is where NBUSA steps in—with tools, resources, and programs that focus on vital, often-overlooked benefits like retirement and life/disability coverage.

But our structure has limitations. We aren’t connected to a church’s payroll. As the 403(b) plan administrator, we see only what flows through Fidelity, our plan recordkeeper. Unlike an HR staffer who can insert a note in a paycheck, post reminders, or walk into the pastor’s office, we rely primarily on email—messages that are too easily lost in a sea of daily demands.

That’s why it’s essential that local pastors, treasurers, and district leaders tune in to our messages and act on what they hear.

NBUSA’s vision is clear: we want Nazarene ministers to retire well. Consider these important facts—and take action:

• Retirement is coming, whether or not we’re ready for it.

• Saving for retirement is a matter of time and money. The more you have of one, the less you’ll need of the other. Start as early as you can.

• Delaying costs you. For example, if you’re 35 and hope to retire at 67, waiting just five more years to start saving could increase your required savings by over 50%.

• Our 403(b) match program is making a difference. Over the 15 months ending in March 2025, participation surged—up 67.5% compared to 2023.

• Still, only about 26% of eligible lead/senior and associate pastors received a match.

• Another 32% missed out entirely, simply because neither they nor their church contributed to the pastor’s retirement account.

If you’re a minister and feel behind on retirement savings, don’t delay—act now. We’re here to help, and it’s never too late to take the next step.

If you’re a church treasurer, board member, or simply someone who cares about your pastor’s future, share this article. Start a conversation. Encourage your church to act on what you hear and help your pastor retire well.

Kevin P. Gilmore serves as executive director of Nazarene Benefits USA for the Church of the Nazarene