If you’re in ministry, you know how important it is to steward your health and finances well—without losing focus on your calling. That’s where GuideStone comes in. In this article, I interview the GuideStone team to explore who they serve, what sets their benefits apart, and how they help ministry leaders start well, stay well, and finish well.
Q: What is GuideStone, and what is its mission?
A: GuideStone exists to serve those who serve the Lord. Our mission is to come alongside ministry leaders, helping them start well, stay well, and finish well—both in terms of health and financial well-being. We want to ensure that those called to ministry can fully focus on their God-given mission without being burdened by financial or health concerns.
Q: Who can utilize GuideStone’s services?
A: Our primary network includes those affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), as GuideStone was originally the Annuity Board of the SBC. However, we also support other like-minded ministry partners, including those with 501(c)(3) status. This means pastors, K-12 Christian school employees, missions organizations, and pregnancy centers, to name a few. A wide variety of ministries can benefit from our services.
Q: What are some key benefits of using GuideStone over other providers?
A: GuideStone is unique because we are faith-aligned in all we do. Our health insurance is based on biblical values, and our retirement investments follow faith-based principles—we won’t invest in industries like alcohol or abortion.
We’ve been providing strong employee benefit packages since 1918, meaning we have over 100 years of experience serving ministry partners. Additionally, our customer service is dedicated to ministry needs, with a team ready to answer questions and solve problems.
Another major benefit is that we are a one-stop shop. Many organizations require you to go through multiple providers for health and retirement plans, but GuideStone offers both under one roof, simplifying the process for ministry leaders.
Q: What options are available specifically for church planters and those connected with CF Connect?
A: We offer a range of Life and Health Plan options tailored to their unique needs. Church planters can connect with a GuideStone representative to explore plans based on their history and previous coverage.
For retirement solutions, GuideStone Funds provides faith-based investing options that anyone can use, regardless of whether a ministry employs them.
Q: What sets GuideStone apart from other financial and health resources?
A: Our faith-based approach is what truly makes us different. We believe that when the body of Christ is healthy, it can transform the world. Our goal is to advocate for ministry leaders, handling the financial and logistical details so they can stay focused on their calling.
Many pastors and church planters are unaware that GuideStone offers excellent, faith-aligned, kingdom-minded options. With GuideStone, they can rest assured that their investments and health plans align with biblical values, avoiding coverage that includes non-biblical options like abortion.
Ultimately, we strengthen the church by handling areas most pastors don’t actively think about—like health plans and retirement. The parable of the talents reminds us that stewardship matters. Investing in your future allows you to continue investing in others and finish well in ministry. GuideStone is here to help ministry leaders advance the Kingdom together.
Q: How can someone get connected with GuideStone?
A: The best place to start is by filling out our “Talk with Our Team” form. This form automatically connects individuals with the right GuideStone team member based on their specific needs. From there, they’ll be guided to the best solutions for their ministry.
At GuideStone, we’re passionate about ensuring that pastors and ministry leaders are well-equipped to serve without unnecessary stress. By partnering with us, they gain access to financial and health resources that align with their faith and calling, allowing them to focus on the work of the ministry with confidence.
