History of The Corinthian Plan
In 2007, the sense of urgency to provide consistent health coverage for pastors and church workers was affirmed by the Delegate Body of Mennonite Church USA. At the Assembly, the Delegates approved a resolution stating: “We request the Executive Board to oversee the development and implementation of a plan whereby all…congregations participate together in an arrangement that covers all our pastors with basic health insurance.”
That resolution led to the development of The Corinthian Plan — a name chosen to reflect a vision that went beyond standard coverage. Rooted in the mutual aid principles of 2 Corinthians 8–9, the plan was designed not just to provide basic coverage, but to make a genuine investment in the health of pastors and church leaders.
Getting Started
Keith Harder, then serving as a Denominational Minister for MC USA, was asked to lead the implementation team. Keith brought deep experience working with pastors, congregations, and health coverage through MC USA’s earlier Covenant Mutual Benefits Plan (COMB). After implementation, he stayed on as Director of The Corinthian Plan.
A thorough planning process followed, testing interest, assembling a committee with diverse skills, and ultimately contracting with Everence to administer the plan and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide the provider network and additional resources.
Launch and Growth
In 2009, Keith and a network of Advocates across MC USA helped congregations understand the vision and encouraged participation. The Corinthian Plan launched coverage on January 1, 2010, with approximately 67% of MC USA congregations participating from the start.
The plan was built on three core commitments:
- All eligible pastors and church workers have access to health coverage
- No one is excluded for health or financial reasons
- Pastors moving between MC USA congregations can maintain continuous coverage
Today
The Corinthian Plan has remained strong since its launch. Congregations have embraced it not simply as a group insurance pool, but as a program of sharing—one that has made health coverage accessible to those with fewer resources. To date, over $3 million in subsidies have been distributed to congregations in need.
Even after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the plan’s coverage remains competitive with individual marketplace options, with the added distinctive value of its wellness program, mutual aid model, and denominational grounding.