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Engagement and Community Relations

The Board of Pensions, one of six national agencies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), lives into its role in the connectional Church through relationship building. We work toward making new connections — and making our existing connections stronger — as we continue providing strength and stability for the changing Church. Three teams lead this work for our community of faith: Affiliate Markets, Church Consultants, and Ministry Innovation. 

Affiliate Markets

The Board partners with employers affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), including colleges, universities, retirement living communities, camps, conference centers, seminaries, and human services organizations. Our shared roots with these organizations guide our work in providing comprehensive benefits to support the health and well-being of employees.

Janet S. Toole
Janet S. Toole leads the Affiliate Markets team, which partners with employers to consult on benefits strategy and provide expert, personalized guidance and solutions.

Meet Janet S. Toole, Vice President, Affiliate Markets, and her team

Church Consultants

Our Church Consultants are based in different locations throughout the country so they may provide personalized, local support to congregations, mid councils, ministers, and church-related employees. They are available to serve employers who are seeking help with benefits selection, administration, and education. Consultants can assist with

  • identifying, selecting, interpreting, and administering benefits that meet pastoral and congregational staffing needs; and
  • matching congregational needs to Assistance Program offerings.

The Reverend Dr. Douglas Portz 
To meet the needs of the changing Church, the Consultants are expanding engagement with church employers, ministers, and church-related employees, while nurturing vital relationships with active and retired members, under the direction of the Reverend Dr. Douglas Portz, Vice President, Church Relations.

Meet the Reverend Dr. Douglas Portz, Vice President, Church Relations

Find the Consultant for your region

Ministry Innovation

This is a time of great change in the PC(USA) as congregations adapt to shrinking resources and the denomination grows more diverse. Historically marginalized communities face unique challenges, and many cannot afford a pastor.

The Reverend Dr. Jerry L. Cannon
The Reverend Dr. Jerry L. Cannon, who leads Ministry Innovation, serves communities of color and caucus groups seeking to engage with the Board of Pensions. He is cultivating relationships where creative ministry is happening — relationships that will inform our development of innovative programs to meet diverse needs and help us expand the reach of services and existing programs, such as dues incentives, to communities of color.

Meet the Reverend Dr. Jerry L. Cannon, Vice President, Ministry Innovation