Church Order and Ministers Leaving the CRC

We received this response from the CRC Pension fund:

The Ministers' Pension Plan provides that a participant vests in their retirement benefits after completing two years of service. Once a participant is vested, they cannot lose their benefit. If a CRCNA minister leaves the denomination and gives up their ordination, regardless of the circumstances surrounding this event, they cannot lose their vested benefit.

Hopefully this helps clarify any confusion! Specific questions can be answered by emailing: [email protected]

I don't believe the pension is tied to the status of release. Our Church Order Article 14b supplement says a. “Synod has instructed all our churches and classes that in all cases of resignation a proper resolution of dismissal must be adopted with the concurring advice of synodical deputies" and to realize that this statement allows for a broad degree of flexibility in responding to such situations.” This means synod didn't really specify what each status means because local circumstances will allow the classis to take all of the information in about the situation and make a decision.  It also instructs churches and classes to take into account the manner and spirit in which a minister has acted during the time leading up to and including departure from office when determining what action to take. It also notes that schismatic activities are to be considered a serious violation of the sacred trust associated with ordination and a dishonoring of God which results in pain and brokenness in the body of Christ.