Planning for retirement is not a lack of faith, nor is it a retreat from calling. Scripture consistently affirms the value of wisdom, stewardship, and foresight. Preparing for the years ahead is one way of caring for the bodies and lives God has entrusted to us, as well as for the families who have shared in the sacrifices of ministry. It also serves the church, ensuring that transitions happen with dignity rather than urgency. Retirement does not mean the end of ministry. Many retired ministers continue to teach, mentor, volunteer, and serve in meaningful ways—often with greater freedom and joy because financial pressures are reduced. Preparation creates options. It allows retirement to be a season of continued fruitfulness rather than forced withdrawal. It is understandable to feel behind or unsure where to begin. Many ministers share that feeling. The important step is not to have everything figured out, but simply to begin. Taking time to understand available resources, asking honest questions, and seeking wise counsel can bring clarity and hope. Small steps taken today can ease significant burdens tomorrow. Retirement will come—by choice, by circumstance, or by necessity. With thoughtful preparation, it can be approached not with fear, but with trust and peace. Caring for the future is not a departure from ministry; it is an extension of faithful stewardship. And it is never too late to begin. NBUSA exists to support ministers and church leaders throughout their lives. Serving those who serve the Church is at the heart of what we do. Through the faithful generosity of churches across the United States, the NBUSA Fund enables us to offer guidance, resources, and practical support so that Nazarene ministers retire well—no matter where they are starting from.
Kevin P. Gilmore has served as executive director of NBUSA since 2019.
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SENSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
Making Sense of Social Security Retirement Benefits BY AMY ARTIGA Social Security is a major part of most Americans’ retirement plans, but most people don’t really understand how it works. Whether you’re young or old, opted out, or still participating, here is some important information that you need to know about Social Security retirement benefits. Social Security Benefit Calculations You need 40 credit hours to be eligible for retirement benefits. That means you need to have worked and paid into the system for at least 10 years (in 2026, $1,890 of income earns you one credit, and you can earn up to four credits per year). Yet, only working 10 years won’t leave you with much of a retirement benefit. Your benefits are calculated based on your top 35 years’ worth of earnings (adjusted for inflation). If you have fewer than 35 years, then the remaining years will have zeros for the calculation. The benefit that you’ve earned is called your“primary insurance amount” (PIA). That is the amount you are eligible to receive at your full retirement age (FRA), which is 67 for those born in 1960 or later. You don’t have to wait until your FRA to start collecting benefits, though. You can start receiving benefits as early as age 62, but they will be reduced. You can increase your benefit by delaying it as late as age 70. A lot of people start collecting benefits early, but often it is wise to do the opposite and let it grow for as long as possible. Protection Against Retirement Risks There are three big risks in retirement that Social Security protects against that your 403(b) and other savings don’t. The first is market risk. If the markets do poorly for an extended period of time, it can be detrimental to your savings. Social Security isn’t tied
NBUSA Quarterly