Live from Wespath 2025: A Virtual UMC Event
Wednesday, April 30, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Central time
Your registration allows you to participate in the entire event or simply drop in for the segment(s) that interest you the most, or receive a link approximately 3 to 5 business days after the event to view at your convenience. "Live from Wespath" will run approximately 4 hours.
This no-cost virtual event exclusively for UMC clergy and lay features information and insights from Wespath about the new Compass clergy retirement plan, investments, benefits and well-being to help you better navigate your daily life and the general UMC environment.
Agenda
11:00 a.m., Central time, Event Kickoff and Segment 1
WELCOME MESSAGE FROM WESPATH’S GENERAL SECRETARY
Andy Hendren, Wespath CEO and General Secretary
Segment 1 - Church and Clergy
NAVIGATING YOUR FUTURE WITH COMPASS
Martin Bauer, Senior Managing Director, Benefit Plans
Kim Olson, Director, Retirement Plans
Compass, the new UMC clergy retirement plan, is launching January 1, 2026! In this session, Martin and Kim will provide a comprehensive overview of the new retirement plan, highlighting its key features and what they mean for you. By the end of the session, attendees will have a clear understanding of how to best prepare for the transition.
HELPING YOU PREPARE: THE COMPASS ROADMAP
Moderator: Frank O’Brien, Senior Benefits Educator, Benefit Plans
Lynn Hammel, Client Relationship Manager, Plan Sponsor Relations
Tony Prestipino, Director, Plan Sponsor Relations
Christina Tincher, Managing Director, Communications
In this session, Frank will lead an engaging panel discussion with Lynn, Tony, and Christina, around what Compass means for you and your annual conference. They will cover specific actions clergy should take to prepare for the launch and highlight the extensive resources available to you from now until launch (and beyond!).
INSIGHTS FROM THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHURCH LEADERS
Moderator: Rev. Dorlimar Lebron, Connectional Relations Manager
Rev. John Fleischauer, Senior Pastor, Shiloh UMC, North Alabama Conference
Sara Goetze, Acting Treasurer & Controller, Oregon-Idaho Conference
Rev. Seth O'Kegley, Lead Pastor, Grace UMC, Mountain Sky Conference
Join us for an engaging session with members of our Young Leaders Advisory Board (YLAB)—clergy and lay leaders under 40—who will share valuable reflections on their lives as servant leaders, including what keeps them grounded during a period of transition for the Church, and how they think about the future.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR A STRONGER CHURCH
Moderator: Dale Jones, Managing Director, Church Relations
Jake Barnett, Managing Director, Sustainable Investment Services
Cynthia Dopke, Manager, Church Relations
Join Dale, Jake and Cynthia to learn how Wespath seeks to use its gifts to strengthen the UMC during this time of denominational transition. Building on the Clergy Financial Well-being Initiative and responding to emerging missional needs, Wespath will focus on strengthening church leadership capacity and skills in the areas of finance and church property management for sustainable mission. In addition, Wespath has strong data integration capacities and is collaborating with others to provide high quality, actionable information to church leaders as they deliberate on missional directions.
12:30 p.m., Central time, Segment 2 - Investment Update
MAKING SENSE OF YOUR RETIREMENT INVESTMENTS
Frank Holsteen, Managing Director, Investment Management
Ryan Nilsson, Content Manager, Investments
Do you know how your retirement funds are invested and how that might change over the life of your career? In this session, Frank and Ryan will share the funds and services Wespath offers through its retirement plans, and how you can best position yourself for long-term financial success.
FINANCIAL MARKET UPDATE WITH WESPATH’S INVESTMENT TEAM
Moderator: Ryan McQueeney, Manager, Investments Marketing and Communications
Joe Halwax, Senior Managing Director, Institutional Investment Services
Hoa Quach, Director, Public Markets
Financial market volatility, tariffs, and inflation (oh my!) making your head spin? In this panel, Joe and Hoa, two of Wespath’s investment experts will break down the key factors impacting financial markets, how these factors may impact your retirement portfolio, and what to keep an eye out for in 2025.
BEST PRACTICES AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR CHURCH'S INVESTMENTS
Moderator: Sarah Metroff, Marketing Manager, Investments
Joe Halwax, Senior Managing Director, Institutional Investment Services
Krystal Holmes, Manager, Plan Sponsor Relations
In this session, Joe and Krystal will share “best practices” for church investment programs, emphasizing transparent and accountable administration. Learn how to craft an effective investment policy statement, establish robust oversight through well-structured boards and committees, and align investment decisions with your church’s mission and values to ensure long-term financial stability and growth.
2:00 p.m., Central time, Segment 3 - Health and Well-Being
IT TAKES A VILLAGE: IMPROVING CLERGY WELL-BEING
Rev. Rachel B. Miller, Client Relations and Outreach Manager
Kelly Wittich, Director, Health and Well-Being
The well-being of clergy has a profound impact on the entire UMC Connection, including clergy families, congregations, and the communities they serve. In this session, Kelly and Rachel will discuss the concerning trends in clergy well-being and the steps that Wespath and its partners are taking to facilitate important conversations seeking to address the systemic issues affecting clergy well-being.
SIMPLIFYING HEALTH CARE WITH CARE COORDINATION
Bob Gerlach, Health Plan Manager
Joanne Hinrichs, Active Benefits Manager
We hope you are one of the 50%+ of HealthFlex participants who are already registered and engaged with Wespath’s Care Coordinators! In this session, Bob and Joanne will engage viewers on how Care Coordinators, a service included with HealthFlex, can take the complexity out of health care by doing the work for you.
TAKING STEPS TOWARDS A HEALTHIER YOU
Jodi Benacka, Health & Well-Being Manager
Lunyé Banks, Senior Benefit Plans Analyst
Whether you are already actively engaged in the wellness programs offered by HealthFlex, or are just starting out, Jodi and Lunyé will share the tools and resources Wespath offers that support your well-being goals. Learn more about mental health resources available, how to earn cash incentives, and more in this special session dedicated to your wellness!
Previous Event Recordings