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

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.