The Board of Pensions of the Dakotas Conference serves the clergy, conference staff, and their families across the Dakotas by administering and funding health care.  Premiums for health insurance are relative to claims experience over time. Therefore, higher claims equal higher premiums. Even though many decisions are financial, relationships are at the heart of what we do.  The Board is responsible to support the 5 Dimensions of Well-Being of those we serve.  The Covid-19 pandemic is a public health emergency creating adverse effects on physical, financial, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being.  Ministry is hard work, and we recognize our journey is together.

The impact of the pandemic on the interwoven well-being dimensions is felt in greater need for healthcare resources.  Some of these resources are of limited supply.  From the availability of counseling and spiritual direction to the direct costs of caring for our brothers and sisters with Covid-19, to the loss of life from the disease, the burden is felt. The Board acknowledges the strain on our conference.

The struggle is real, and we applaud the many clergy and staff who have taken the steps to protect themselves and their neighbors.  The road on which we journey together with Jesus requires us to take up our crosses and lay down our lives for the sake of others.  To love our neighbor, to reduce the financial burden of the pandemic, and to create the conditions for well-being in our clergy, conference staff, and their families, one important step is to receive the vaccine.  The Covid-19 vaccine is proven to decrease hospitalization and severe illness.

The Board of Pensions strongly encourages all clergy, staff, and eligible family members to receive the medically proven Covid-19 vaccine for the well-being of us all. The Board encourages those that still have questions about the vaccine, booster, or any other vaccines to visit with your physician and follow their advice.