Retirement

The United Methodist Church (UMC) has a long and proud tradition of providing retirement benefits to those in its service. In 1796, the Methodist Episcopal Church introduced its retirement program, called the Chartered Fund, at a time when any type of benefit plan was quite rare. The UMC continues this tradition today through the wide variety of benefit plans and programs offered to those in its service. The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits serves the UMC by administering retirement benefit programs as authorized by General Conference, the UMC's highest legislative body. Our services touch the lives of more than 74,000 clergy, lay participants and their families.

Looking for information on Ernst & Young Financial Planning Services, LifeStage or other retirement-related services? Check out the Retirement Services and Programs section!

Need materials or brochures related to retirement? Check out the Retirement Publications on our Resources page for helpful information!