Procedures, Protocols, and Practices for Presiding Elders
By Dr. Jerome V. Harris, Executive Director
1. All checks must be in guaranteed funds and made payable to AMEC Department of Retirement Services. Personal and local church checks are not acceptable and will be returned.
2. Pastoral appointments and transfers in and out of the Presiding Elder District must be provided to AMEC Department of Retirement Services in writing as soon as possible. We must know the Conference and Presiding Elder District to which pastors are transferred from and to so they can be correctly assigned in the database.
3. A Confirmation of Separation document is required from the appropriate Episcopal District Office directly to the Department for all persons retiring or voluntarily separating from active service. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN REGARDING RETIREMENT DISTRIBUTIONS UNTIL THIS INFORMATION IS PROPERLY RECEIVED.
4. Participant accounts are coded “INACTIVE” when important personal information is no longer current. This information includes incorrect mailing address, change in marital or beneficiary information, or non-payment of required insurance premiums. These persons must contact the department directly and their names will no longer be listed on the Presiding Elder’s online reporting screen until the outstanding matters are resolved. No retirement contributions will be accepted while the account is “INACTIVE.”
5. The assignment of funeral expenses is applicable to life insurance benefits only. Retirement benefits cannot be assigned for this purpose. All assignments must be authorized by the beneficiary of record.
6. It is recommended that the required enrollment documents for new pastors be completed and returned to the presiding elder for forwarding to the Department with the initial retirement contribution and insurance premium. Retirement accounts cannot be established until all enrollment documents and initial funds are received.
7. All requests for information or clarification regarding retirement benefits should only be made to Department personnel to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding, confusion, and delay.
