Compass
Compass
Compass is an account-based defined contribution retirement plan for eligible clergy of The United Methodist Church (UMC) designed to help clergy optimize their retirement income with the ability to leave their account balance to their beneficiaries. Through shared responsibility, clergy accumulate an account balance during their active ministry and have flexibility to receive their income during retirement.
For more information:
wespath.org/retirement-investments/Compass
General Compass Zoom Information Session
Intro to Compass Presentation Slides: Download Here
Sept 23rd, 2pm Session recording: https://vimeo.com/1121300844/bfa2b28790?share=copy
Sept 23rd, 6:30pm recording: https://vimeo.com/1121371801/2192d8b1c6?share=copy
Compass Zoom Information Session designed specifically for those who handle payroll & taxes
October 1, 6:30pm recording: https://vimeo.com/1123857988/06212b2ba0?share=copy
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The Compass plan begins January 1, 2026, and will replace CRSP for active clergy. It is a modern, defined-contribution, account-based program designed for long-term sustainability and flexibility. Retirees currently receiving benefits will not be affected.
- $150/month contribution from the UMC (increasing annually)
- 3% of clergy pensionable compensation contributed by the UMC
- $1/$1 match on clergy contributions up to 4% of pensionable pay
Waiver Form: Compass Waiver of Participation Form
Compass Qualified Student Loan Provision
Eligible Compass participants can now access a new Qualified Student Loan Provision (QSLP) self-certification webpage in Benefits Access, where they can enter and certify qualified student loan payments that may count toward receiving Compass matching contributions, subject to plan provisions and eligibility requirements.
The Compass QSLP may be especially meaningful for clergy who are focused on repaying student loan debt and not contributing enough to receive the full Compass match. This means that if you’re paying off student loans, you can still earn the full 4% match on contributions in Compass. If you are not contributing the full 4% of your plan compensation, your qualifying student loan payments can “count” like retirement contributions toward the match – up to 4% of your plan compensation.
Please note: This provision is for EPA & GNJ eligible clergy 50% & above appointed who are participating in Compass and not contributing or contributing less than 4%.
Clergy are responsible for entering and certifying eligible payments through Benefits Access and should retain supporting documentation. Payments made during a calendar year must be certified by January 31 of the following year; therefore, qualified student loan payments made in 2026 must be certified (entered into Benefits Access) by January 31, 2027.