Retirement Plans for Self-Employed Ministers

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For Self-Employed Ministers Without Access to an Employer-Sponsored Plan

You serve faithfully wherever God has placed you — often outside the traditional church employer structure.

The Self-Employed Ministers Retirement Plan is a 403(b)(9) church retirement plan designed for the unique tax considerations and ministry realities of self-employed Southern Baptists.

It may be a good fit if you are a licensed, commissioned or ordained minister serving within the bounds of Southern Baptist ministry, receiving 1099 income, and providing ministerial services, such as preaching, evangelism, weddings, funerals, speaking engagements or ministry-related book or media sales.

Not Self-Employed? Explore Other Options

Why Ministers Choose This Plan

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Ministry-first Stewardship

The plan is sponsored by GuideStone®, an organization serving those who serve the Lord — offering faith-aligned investment options and support grounded in Christian values.

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Designed for Self-Employed Ministry

The plan recognizes that many self-employed ministers serve in settings where a traditional employer-sponsored retirement plan isn’t available, but still deserve the opportunity to save effectively for retirement.

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Housing Allowance Considerations

SBC ministers may be able to designate a portion of retirement distributions as minister’s housing allowance, subject to IRS rules. This can provide meaningful tax advantages in retirement.

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Immediate 100% Vesting

All contributions to the self-employed plan are fully vested right away, providing confidence that the contributions made on your behalf are yours.

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Flexible Contribution Options

Depending on your compensation type, you may be able to make:

  • Employer Contributions
  • Roth Employee Contributions

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Built for Those Who Serve Differently

The self-employed plan helps ensure that every servant of Christ has access to a retirement plan designed with their calling in mind.

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Looking for something different?

We’re here to help. See which retirement plan fits your needs based on your employment.
Employed by SBC Ministry

We offer unique retirement plans with special benefits for SBC churches and organizations. This could be a church, school or other association affiliated with the SBC.

Get Started with SBC Plan Learn More About SBC Church Benefits
Employed by Faith-Aligned Ministry

We offer retirement plans for organizations that are like-minded in values and beliefs with the SBC. This could be a faith-based hospital, school, children's home, retirement home, mission-sending organization, etc.

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More Options to Help You Prepare for the Future
GuideStone Rollover to an employer-sponsored plan
Whether it’s a previous employer-sponsored retirement account or an IRA, you may be able to roll over your retirement savings to GuideStone.
Investment Accounts
Use a GuideStone investment account to help establish an emergency fund, invest for milestone goals or better prepare for the future.
IRAs
Choose from a GuideStone Traditional or Roth IRA with full access to our wide range of faith-based investment options.
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MyGuideStone®
Use your MyGuideStone account whenever, wherever. Available via mobile app and the web, this free resource provides 24-hour access to your GuideStone retirement account(s), investments and insurance plans.
Retirement Planner Calculator
Check your retirement readiness and create a personalized savings plan.
Webinars
Register for upcoming webinars and watch past webinars you may have missed, covering a variety of retirement topics.
Resources
Explore videos, guides, calculators and articles designed to equip and support your ministry at every stage.

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Retail products are made available through GuideStone Financial Services®, member FINRA. For more information about the firm, products and services, please review the GuideStone Affiliate Form CRS and visit FINRA’s Broker Check.

Be sure to consider all of your available options before rolling over your retirement assets. It is important to consider all of the potential advantages and disadvantages of rolling over your retirement assets to an IRA, including the different investment options that are available to you as well as the services, fees, expenses, withdrawal restrictions and tax consequences of rolling over your assets to an IRA. Other options are available besides rolling over your employer-sponsored retirement plan, including leaving the account with your previous employer. An employer-sponsored retirement plan may offer advantages investors can’t get if they roll the money into an IRA