GuideStone investments positive, most medical premiums decrease

Posted: 6/16/06

GuideStone investments positive,
most medical premiums decrease

By Bill Webb

Word & Way

GREENSBORO, N.C.—GuideStone Financial Services President O.S. Hawkins reported to the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting that the organization’s investment funds are showing “tremendous success” and its insurance plans’ premiums have decreased.

Most of GuideStone’s investment funds are in the upper half of their respective categories, according to the Lipper Index, Hawkins said.

Forty percent of participants in the organization’s Blue Cross Blue Shield personal medical plans received rate reductions in 2005, while 57 percent received reductions in premiums in 2006, he said.

Current medical plans make it possible for more ministers to secure insurance, while varying deductibles help bring down costs, he explained. In addition, pastors are showing decreases in cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

“We’re trying to balance making everything affordable and getting as many people in the program as possible, Hawkins said.

More progress can be made in the overall health of ministers, he said. Seventy percent of pastors who took advantage of wellness testing in the convention exhibit hall are at moderate to severe risk for heart problems.

“The plight of our retired ministers and their widows continues to be the burden of our heart,” Hawkins reported.

During the past year, individuals and churches contributed $5 million directly and $1.4 million through the Cooperative Program to provide income supplements of $200 per month for individuals and $265 for couples in the Adopt An Annuitant program.

During the past 10 years, GuideStone has raised $52 million for the program, he said.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.