TIM & Concordia plans
supporting you through your own tim transitions
Transitional Interim Ministers (TIMs) experience frequent moves from one congregation to another which can lead to “downtimes” between congregations. Congregations need to provide the TIM, as well as the next resident pastor, with benefits. In these unique situations Concordia Plan Services (CPS) assists both pastors and congregations with a program that provides both consistency and greater security for TIMs.
FULL TRAINING IN TIM IS REQUIRED
The benefits program for TIMs was developed between CPS and the Council of Presidents for TIMs who are Credentialed by the LCMS TIM Conference or working toward that Credential and approved by the District President. These are TIMs who are fully trained (60 hrs) for service in all districts in Synod. Such training is the first step toward the credential. Pastors who are not so trained, or those trained for service only within a certain district, are not eligible for the special benefits program.
THE CALLING CONGREGATION MUST OFFER CONCORDIA PLANS
If the applicant is eligible as determined by the LCMS TIM Conference, he will also want to verify that the new ministry employer offers the Concordia Retirement Plan (CRP) and Concordia Disability & Survivor Plan (CDSP). If health coverage is also required, verify the congregation offers the Concordia Health Plan (CHP). The applicant will then complete the appropriate TIM Enrollment Form (link below) for himself and any eligible dependent(s) for whom coverage is desired. It is important that the form is signed by both the applicant and the employing congregation before forwarding to CPS.
LCMS TIM determines ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE
Once the applicant pastor meets the Credentialing criteria, a copy of the certificate of completion of full LuTMA training and any District President letter of exception request for a fully trained, called, not-yet-credentialed, intentional interim being placed in their district should be forwarded to the Credentialing Chair of the LCMS TIM Board. The LCMS TIM Board will then communicate to CPS the eligibility for those desiring benefits.
contact
For eligibility questions, contact the LCMS TIM Credentialing Chair:
credentialing@lcmstim.org
For other questions about the Administrative Guides content and enrollment, contact:
Jason Williams
jason.williams@concordiaplans.org
314-885-6806
District Office Staff wishing to discuss CPS TIM program-related topics should contact:
Louis Johnson
louis.johnson@concordiaplans.org
314-885-6728