September 30, 2025

Why Ministry Leaders Don’t Talk About Retirement (featuring Gabe Pelphrey)

36 minutes

Many pastors find themselves at the end of their ministry career unable to retire - not because they lack calling, but because they lack financial security. Churches often avoid the money conversation, leaving leaders stuck in the pulpit longer than they should be.

In this episode, financial strategist Gabe Pelphrey opens the curtain on why retirement planning for ministry leaders so often gets ignored. He explains the unique challenges pastors face, the role boards must play, and the courageous conversations that make succession possible.

This isn’t just about money - it’s about stewardship, legacy, and ensuring both leaders and churches are prepared for what’s next.

Key Takeaways

Why many pastors cannot financially afford to retire

The board’s role in annual compensation and planning reviews

How rabbi trusts and deferred compensation plans protect leaders and churches

The danger of assuming “God will provide” without planning

Why courageous conversations about money and succession matter

How retrospective compensation studies address past underpayment

Why planning early ensures dignity, security, and peace in transitions

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Welcome & Introductions

01:20 – The hidden financial crisis in pastoral transitions

03:45 – Who holds responsibility: pastor or board?

06:15 – When pastors retire into poverty

08:00 – Unique financial tools for churches (rabbi trusts, 403b9s)

10:13 – Stewardship and courageous conversations

13:27 – Strongholds around money in ministry

16:40 – Poverty mindset vs. extravagant misconceptions

20:06 – Retrospective compensation studies explained

22:53 – Gabe’s background and calling into this work

25:06 – How Stewarded serves churches and nonprofits

27:00 – Why Ministry Transitions + Stewarded work hand-in-hand

32:29 – Preview of joint webinar

Retirement should not punish calling. Visit stewarded.io to schedule a strategy session. Build a clear roadmap with your board using tools like 403(b)(9) plans, rabbi trusts, deferred compensation, and retrospective compensation studies so your pastor can finish with dignity and your church stays strong.

If succession or a financial crunch is on the horizon, do not walk it alone. Go to ministrytransitions.com to book a confidential call. We help pastors and boards craft integrity-first transition plans that protect people, steward resources, and prepare your church for what’s next.

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