Remember your calling

This week, I would like to share how the Bivocational/Small Church Association is striving to meet the need of affordable health care insurance for those serving in our Texas Baptist churches as pastors and staff.

With the high cost of private health insurance and with new health care laws coming out of Washington, the association is developing an avenue to bring affordable group health insurance to the church.

Richard RayWe have developed guidelines that would allow smaller churches (with less than 10 employees) in Texas to form a group in order to access group medical coverage. After meeting guidelines related to participation and administration, the group of churches could apply for coverage in group plans. Your church participation is vital in establishing a group to provide group medical coverage. Guidelines for participation can be found on our website. 

Our association cares about the church and those who serve the church. We understand the pressures that come with serving the church, especially in the small-church ministry field. Funds are not always available for insurance and other major needs. I have received numerous phone calls and emails concerning health insurance. It burdens me to know some of our pastors have had their insurance dropped, some have had their pay decreased so they could apply for government assistance, and others feel they have nowhere to turn. We want to change that by providing an avenue for churches to care for their pastors and their families when it comes to their health.

This year, I am traveling around the state visiting with churches and associations about the care of those who serve our Texas Baptist churches for the kingdom of God. If you would like for me to come to your area or your church, please contact me. I would love to come and share all the Bivocational/Small Church Association does in meeting the needs of the bivocational/small church pastors, staff and their families.

As always, I thank you for your service to our Lord, to your church and to Texas Baptists. Remember, you were called to serve, but you were not called to serve alone. Let us be your advocate, your resource and your prayer partner as you fulfill your calling.

Until next time, please visit our website. 

Richard Ray is president of the Bivocational/Small Church Association, pastor of First Baptist Church in Wink and director of missions for Pecos Valley Baptist Association. You can reach him at [email protected].