Adoption Program

The Retired Ministers' Adoption Program is an agreement between a local Church of God congregation and a retired ministerial couple or a minister’s widow. It is an opportunity for extraordinary Christian benevolence.

The Problem of Retirement
Retirement for a minister can be a very difficult time. In some cases, after a lifetime of service to others, the aged minister feels unneeded, isolated, lonely, and has a low sense of self-worth. This can result in disappointment, resentment, depression, and even bitterness. It is a shame for this to happen when it could so easily be avoided.

Another problem for the aged minister is lack of finance. Most of the ministers who are now aged and retired served God and their church in a time when the church was small and the income very limited. Often they had to put most of what they received back into the church just to keep it functioning. The pension plan that was available to them through the church at that time provided, at the very best, less than $300 per month. As a result, a survey taken sometime ago revealed that approximately 60% of aged ministers live at a level below their financial needs. In a day when the church is progressing and prospering, this is unacceptable.

The Purpose of the Adoption
The purpose of the Adoption Plan is to give local Church of God congregations an opportunity to adopt a retired ministerial couple or widow as their own and, in doing so, to provide them three very important things.

First, a sense of worth and belonging. They will once again feel a part of a ministry they have given their life for.

Second, a source of supplemental income. The local church will agree to remember the retired couple or widow on special occasions such as their birthdays, Christmas and camp meetings with special recognition and a love gift. Once a month, a love offering will be given to help meet their basic living needs.

Third, a service opportunity. As logistics permit, the aged minister will be given ministry opportunities such as visitation, jail services and nursing homes. This will allow a congregation to avail themselves of at least some of a ministry that through the years has blessed so many.

How the Plan Works
A local church will enter into an agreement with a retired ministry couple or widow. (A copy of this agreement is below.) The plan can be discontinued simply upon request of either party to the state representative of SpiritCare or the general director of SpiritCare. Please consider this Adoption Plan and enjoy the privilege of giving back to those who have given so much.