By Todd Staal
Associate Pastor Men’s Ministry, Resurrection Life Church

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights?

Hopefully not too many that read this will have had this statement recited to them by a man or woman in a uniform of authority.  Nevertheless men and women battle to be certain their rights are protected in homes all across this nation.  Allow me to clarify.

One of the largest complaints my wife, Cheryl, and I hear in our time spent with countless troubled or broken couples, married or preparing to do so, is that they believe their rights to proper treatment by the other has been compromised.  Inevitably they come to a point where this violation has led to a complete silence in communication, breaking off of physical interaction, and loss of any hope of a satisfying life together.  Perhaps as you are reading this article it is describing your exact situation.  Your rights have been stomped on, disrespected, and you are sick and tired of it!  I encourage you, read on.

There is something intriguing about our 21^st century Americanized sense of entitlement.  You needn’t look far to see headlines about union strikes, constitutional boundaries, or special interest groups waving a flag regarding their outlined rights.  So after hundreds of years of indoctrinations of this manner it is no surprise that it would bleed into our personal relationships.  It arrives under the camouflage of lifestyle expectations, service mandates, and even prenuptial agreements.  So then, how did an institution created by a loving, merciful, self sacrificing God, become occupied by such a self preserving attitude?  A one word definition works…focus.

Only one time in history have I seen God show partiality in the relationship between a man and woman.  It is found in Genesis 2 when He said, “It is not good that man should be alone”.  Ever since then He has expressed an extreme desire for unity through preferential love and unconditional service towards one another.

Men you are admonished to “love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Eph 5:25),  “dwell with them with understanding” (1 Peter 3:7), and “not be bitter toward them” (Col 3:19).  Likewise women you are instructed to “be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives” (1 Peter 3:1), and “let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Eph 5:33).  I would say these job descriptions are quite plain to understand, and if combined with proper motives and heart conditions, could make for a beautiful marriage.  In my last sentence lies the key to making or breaking the deal.

If; a conditional word that leaves success or failure hanging in the balance.  You have heard it before; if I invest a dollar a day, I will be…If I only had…If My people who are called by my name…  The God who framed the world with words is not one that accepts “ifs” as a condition to obedience to His instructions.  This is where the plan broke down.  We decided somewhere that we could no longer trust God to vindicate us as David did and we would have to create an escape route to our job description.  Thus enters statements like, “If she can’t respect me, then she can get out!”, “If he won’t pay attention to me, I’ll find someone who will!”, and they all arrive at one conclusion…what about my rights?

If you are still with me, here is the heart of God’s plan that He wants us to see.  He loves each of so much, He desires our hearts to be knit so closely with His that we see through His eyes and trust Him completely.  His original marriage agreement never included prenuptial agreements or a bill of rights, but only a hope that in giving an outline of instructions and the ultimate example through Jesus Christ, we would love Him enough to keep our end of the deal till death separates us.  It’s not easy to return love for disrespect or honor for ill treatment and in 18 years I have violated those instructions plenty.  But one day I came to understand that my wife’s gentle and quiet spirit is very precious in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:4) and He would not tolerate me ignoring that forever and that all my prayers were silent in my disobedience.  That, my friends, broke my heart when I understood that it broke God’s.  Then there was no room for me any longer.

Take the “me” out of your marriage today.  Allow God to see your obedience to His instruction as husbands and wives.  Cry out “how long?” if you must but don’t waver.  Things will change…oh yes, things will change

By Chris Moon
Lead Pastor, Resurrection Life Church - Northern Michigan

Five years ago, I was called from the corporate world into full-time ministry with little training as to what being a senior pastor of a church entailed.

I want to share the wisdom that I have obtained through my journey with the Lord as He used me to help build His Kingdom in Northern Michigan.

1. Get people around you that do know what they are doing
Seek wisdom from those that have gone before you.  Look at other thriving churches and ask questions.  Find out what works and what doesn’t work for other people’s ministry.  Ideas that work for some churches may not work for yours.  Look for things that other ministries are doing well.  Don’t recreate the wheel.  You have to know your people and culture and what will reach them.

2. Read, Read, Read - Growth Happens in You
Fill yourself with as much knowledge as possible.  A few great resources that have given me a lot of insight are:

Purpose Drive Church by Rick Warren

Developing the Leader within You by John Maxwell

How to Stop the Pain by James Richards

Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus

Wild at Heart by John Eldridge

17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John Maxwell

3. Take One Day at a Time
Remember it took God seven days to create the universe, so it is going to take time to build your ministry.  Seek God daily and see what He would have you to do today.  Growth happens one person and one family at a time.

4. Wait for Your Leaders
Start off building your ministry before you begin several different ministries.  Don’t start a youth ministry before you find a leader.  Know that you are called to be a senior pastor, you have a responsibility to minister to the youth and children and for a season you will have to be their pastor.

5. Start Looking for Faithful People to Raise Up
You have to watch/shepherd your people.  Find those people that are faithful with what God has given them in their lives.  It has been my experience that those that are faithful in the small are those that have the greatest potential to raise up.  Look for the people that will go the extra mile.  Stay away from the people who just want more of your time.

6. Teach on Tithing
Many churches stay away from teaching on tithing.  People have to learn that it’s not about you, the church or God wanting their money.  As a senior pastor you have a responsibility to teach people how to get God’s blessings on their life.

These are the ideas that I have found to be effective in our ministry in Northern Michigan.

By Dorie Meendering
Associate Pastor, Women’s Ministry, Resurrection Life Church, Grandville

What a challenge to stay on course through all the emotion of life!  It’s important to remember that we are here because God designed us and put us here.  We were God’s idea in the first place and He has a special place for us!

However, I Peter 5:8 tell us we have an adversary trying to devour us.  He will try to make you feel discouraged and want to give up.  But you have the ability to persevere because you have a personal guide, the Holy Spirit, who leads you every step of the way.  So, why would you give someone else more power over your life than the Holy Spirit?  If some situation has made you want to give up, you are led by the situation and not by the Holy Spirit. 

Outlasting the Devil

You can always outlast the devil’s attack by “doing” the Word.  The “Word” is usually quite different than how you feel but, it works!  And, if the ‘Word’ works, why not do it?

          Rom. 12:21 - overcome evil with good
          I Peter 3:9 - bless so you receive a blessing
          Matt 6:14 & 15 - forgive so you are forgiven
          Phil 4:6 & 7 - pray and be thankful with your request
          Rom. 15:13 - believe in the God of all hope and receive peace and joy.
          Matt. 5:44 & 45 - do good when there’s opportunity
          Prov. 2:1-7 - seek God for Wisdom

You do not have to understand everything that happens.  “Wondering” can keep you from believing.  If you have a divided mind, the Bible says don’t plan on receiving from the Lord.  (James 1:6)

There is a Way of Escape

Remember, there is a way of escape so you will be able to bear what you are going through.  (I Cor. 10:13)  However, several things can block your escape.  Take time to examine how your life is lining up with the Word of God.  One of the most common things blocking our victory is a lack of forgiveness, or holding on to offense.  Since God has forgiven us we are able, and expected, to forgive others.  Sometimes the hurt took only 5 minutes but we give it the right to hurt us 10 more years.  Why would we be so stubborn and continue to punish ourselves by making the choice to disobey God and not forgive?  You should love yourself more than that!

Attack with Tenacity and Perseverance

Recognize who is trying to pull you off course.  (I Peter 5:8).  If you don’t recognize your enemy, you won’t know how to fight and take your authority to use the power of Jesus’ name.  God, in His wisdom, has already laid out the only battle plan that will work and it is found in Ephesians 6: 10-18.  Use these tools and choose to be immovable in your faith.  Stand firm and don’t let your faith become shipwrecked! 

You can outlast the devil!

March 15 -18, 2009

Main Speakers:

Duane Vander Klok
Brian Zahnd
Chris Hodges
James Garlow

Costs:
$105.00 for a single on or before March 2nd. $155.00 a single after March 2nd.
$180.00 for a couple on or before March 2nd. $230.00 a couple after March 2nd.

Basic Schedule:

Sunday, March 15

• 5 – 6 p.m.    A Night of Worship with RLCI Affiliate Worship Leaders
• 6 p.m. - ?    Leadership Conference Connection

Monday, March 16

• 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.   Registration – Ground Floor Lobby & Complimentary Breakfast
• 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Session One/Duane Vander Klok – Worship Center
• 10:30 - 11 a.m.    Refreshments
• 11 – 11:50 a.m.    Session Two/Brian Zahnd – Worship Center
• 12 – 1 p.m.           Lunch Options:

- Luncheon/Brian Zahnd – Ground Floor | Ticket required; limited seating
- Worship Luncheon/Ken Reynolds – Hospitality Suite | Ticket required; limited seating
- Olive Tree Café or local restaurants available

• 1:15 – 2:15 p.m.   Electives
• 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.   Electives
• 7– 8:30 p.m.         Session Three/Brian Zahnd– Worship Center
• 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. Conference Connection-Ground Floor

Tuesday, March 17

• 8 – 8:45 a.m.            RLCI Info Meeting & Leaders For Christ Resource Introduction - Chapel
• 8:30  - 8:50 a.m.      Praise & Worship – Worship Center
• 8:50 – 9:40 a.m.       Session Four/Brian Zahnd – Worship Center
• 9:40-10:10 a.m.       Refreshments
• 10:10 – 11 a.m.        Session Five/Chris Hodges – Worship Center
• 11 - 11:25 a.m.        Refreshments
• 11:25 – 12:15 p.m.   Session Six/Pastor Duane Vander Klok – Worship Center
• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.     Lunch Options:

- Luncheon/Chris Hodges – Ground Floor | Ticket required; limited seating
- Worship Luncheon/Guest – Hospitality Suite | Ticket required; limited seating
- Olive Tree Café or local restaurants available

• 1:45 – 2:45 p.m.        Electives
• 3 – 4 p.m.                  Electives
• 7– 8:30 p.m.              Session Seven/Chris Hodges - Worship Center
• 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.      Conference Connection - Ground Floor

Wednesday, March 18

• 8:30 – 8:50 a.m.          Praise & Worship – Worship Center
• 8:50 – 9:40 a.m.          Session Eight/James Garlow – Worship Center
• 9:40-10:10 a.m.          Refreshments
• 10:10 – 11 a.m.           Session Nine/Chris Hodges – Worship Center
• 11 - 11:25 a.m.           Refreshments
• 11:25 – 12:15 p.m.      Session Ten/James Garlow – Worship Center
• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.        Lunch Options:

- Luncheon/James Garlow - Ground Floor | Ticket required; limited seating
- Olive Tree Café or local restaurants available

• 1:30 - 7 p.m.               Break
• 7 – 8:30 p.m.               Session Eleven/James Garlow – Worship Center

Evangelism Needs Discipleship
By Pastor Brent Matzen, Resurrection Life Church, Grandville

A recent survey sited by Alister McGrath stated that “73% believed that clergy failed to prepare congregations for challenges to their faith.”  He later went on to say, “There is a real need for an apologetic ministry within the church for Christians who are unsure about their faith.”   Through effective evangelism the church today has seen millions come to acknowledge Christ, yet still three out of four people feel that they have not been adequately equipped to face challenges that arise against their faith.  Although they may have responded to an altar-call, they have not progressed beyond that point.  The greatest need we face in churches today is discipleship.

Billy Graham realized this need early in his career.  He developed a program to transition people from new converts to devoted followers.  Graham developed the 3-part system: sermon, counseling, and follow-up.  Today, we might call these: evangelism, discipleship, and community.  Graham’s son, Franklin, testified to the need for this in his work, Rebel with a Cause, where he recounts that twelve years after making a “decision” for Christ, he needed to be born again.  Why did Franklin feel the need to be born again following his decision?  Even though he acknowledged Christ, he never began to have a relationship with Him.

As leaders within the church, we have the responsibility to take people further than the altar.  Look at Deuteronomy 4:5-6,

“Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess.  Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’”

Here we see Moses, the spiritual leader of Israel, teaching the Israelites how to live a life of devotion to the Lord.  They have already been redeemed-taken out of Egypt-but now they are shown how to go to the next level.  Moses said he would teach the Israelites all that God had commanded him.  At Sinai, God gave Moses the Law so that the children of Israel would know how to follow after Him.  Interestingly, Moses points out that when the followers of the LORD keep His commandments, the other nations will see their fruit and call them wise and understanding for obeying God’s statutes.  Which we also see in Matthew 5:16 when Jesus said “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

In the church today there are people who need to be taught how to follow God, not just profess Him.  Questions such as:  Why is it important to read the bible?  How does one have effective prayer?  What is the purpose of tithe and offering?  And other topics such as:  What bible translation to use, church history, water baptism, and speaking in tongues are areas that need to be taught giving biblical proofs to their validity for the church.  Just as we spend time laying out the gospel for salvation, we need to make sure that we are properly discipling laypersons to go deeper into their relationship with God.

Discipleship comes in many ways.  For some it is incorporated into weekend services, for others during their midweek services.  Some churches have gone beyond the traditional set-up and have implemented bible schools and discipleship classes on additional nights of the week.  Regardless of the methodology used, we need to make sure that each person who makes a decision to follow Christ is being taken to the next level.  We should also strive to encourage them to grow deeper in their new found faith and equip them with the necessary resources.  As pastors, we can prepare the members of our churches to be discipled by spending time with God, studying the Word, and growing spiritually.  This prepares us to instruct others.  As good shepherds, we protect our flock from the enemy not by fighting their spiritual battles for them, but rather by giving them the tools needed to defeat the enemy’s attacks for themselves.

By Pastor Pat Binish
Resurrection Life Church, Grandville

What effect does a nursery have in a church and in families?

There are two very equal yet opposite view points of children in church.   One says children should worship with their parents as a family unit through the entire service experience.  The other view point says that children should have their own ‘children’s church’ where they can learn and grow in an environment geared around their age and learning ability.  Both these view points are correct and should be respected as the parental belief and desire.  These two view points have many variations in between such as having the children attend the Praise and Worship, and then are taken to their children’s rooms when the preaching begins.

So what is correct?   I have been honored in observing and assisting thousands of nursery and preschool aged children advance in their understanding with God over the past 15 years.   Like any other adult, I have formed a preference in which style is most effective for developing strong young teens and adults in later years, while fully respecting others styles and practices.  But what does the Bible lead us to?

There is a passage found in Matthew 21:14-16 which says, “Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.  But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?”  And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?” NKJV

Jesus  quoted to them Psalm 8:2 which says  “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength,  because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger.” NKJV The words ‘ordained strength’ or ‘praise’ used here is defined as “Loud outward singing and shouting praises onto God”.  Jesus’ response lets us know they were indignant with the children’s actions and words.   

A church’s nursery and preschool areas are to be a ministry and not a daycare facility.  Children in these early years are formidable and sponges to take in the Word of God.  There is another scripture which does a beautiful job at describing how children should learn.   Isa 28:9-10 and13 “Who does Isaiah think he is,” the people say, “to speak to us like this! Are we little children, barely old enough to talk?  He tells us everything over and over again, a line at a time and in such simple words!”   …   “So the Lord will spell it out for them again, repeating it over and over in simple words whenever he can;”  TLB

Isaiah’s words, applied to our churches nurseries, will bring God’s Living Word into children’s lives early and effectively.   Bring forth the elementary teachings to children to build a foundation in them.  Do it with repetition, simplicity and consistency.  A nursery ministry fulfills Gods plan to bring His Word into the babes and nursing infants, and prepares them for a lifetime of serving Him.

“Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works . . . faith without works is dead,” says James 2:18, 20. Did you know that people can have a faith that is not active-a faith not living and moving in their lives? Your faith needs to be alive in you and on the move. If you’re going to deal with the challenges of life with any success, you have to have a faith that’s on the move. You have to release your faith!

You can have faith without releasing it. You might be born again and believe in God’s power, but you can still choose to sit there in a trial, down and depressed, and do nothing, pray nothing, meditate on nothing but your troubles, and speak nothing but negativity. You can refuse to thank God for anything or worship Him for what He can do. Victory over any trial is right within your grasp, but if you don’t choose to release your faith for that victory, it’s like not having faith for it at all. And you’ll get the same results in your sorry situation as if you didn’t have faith in the first place.

Avoid that scenario! In learning how to deal with trials, I’ve been there enough times to know that it doesn’t work. Release your faith instead. How do you release your faith for victory over a trial? You take action. You work at it. Don’t pray, “Lord, I’m going through an awful trial, and I’m going to sit right here and not make a move until You do something about it!” No way! Get moving! Take some steps to do all that you can do about your situation. Do everything God tells you to, and trust Him for the rest.

Remember the woman with the issue of blood in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 5? She released her faith with great expertise. She was plagued by an unhealthy flow of blood “for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse” (verses 25-26). She was in one miserable, long-term trial! When she heard about Jesus, though, the Bible shows that she released her faith in some of the ways I’ve talked about. “She came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, ‘If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well’” (verses 27-28).

Do you notice how she’d heard about Jesus beforehand and started meditating on what she’d heard? I’m sure before she approached Jesus, she thought about Him over and over. She kept wondering about the reports of miracles He’d done. Jesus was on her mind day and night! The more she thought about Him, the more her faith rose up, until she spoke out loud the miracle she was believing for. I believe the words “she said” imply that she didn’t only say “I will be made well” once, but that she kept on saying it, kept on confessing it again and again. She focused her thoughts, her words, and I’m sure her prayers on finding an opportunity to touch Jesus and be healed. You’ve got to remember that she wasn’t suddenly made well at the point of her first confession, or her second, or third-she was still very unwell. Her healing hadn’t yet come, but her faith was constantly on the move before Jesus even showed up!

When Jesus did show up and an opportunity came her way to carry out her plan, she didn’t just stand on the edge of the crowd and hope He would spot her and do something, either. She went into action! She released her faith by putting some works behind it. She worked her way through the crowd toward Jesus-no doubt a difficult task. Some Scripture versions say she touched the hem of his garment, so she may have even crawled ground-level in the dirt to get to Him. She had to press through to be able to touch Jesus, and when she did, “Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction” (verse 29).

I love the way she released her faith. I think Jesus loved it, too. “Daughter,” He said to her, “your faith has made you well” (verse 34).

Turn Back to God and Things Turn Around

King Hezekiah in the Old Testament was another one who released his faith in the midst of a terrible trial. The Bible says that pride entered into Hezekiah’s heart, and he became sick. He wouldn’t be the first or last person to let pride get the better of him! A lot of people find themselves in terrible trials because of their own pride and other sins. I’ve been there and done that! Have you? Even when we cause our own troubles, however, God is still there to turn things around if we’ll turn to Him. I love that!

Hezekiah didn’t think he needed to do things God’s way; he thought his own way was working just fine. (Admit it-a lot of us have been there!) But Hezekiah’s way wasn’t working, and he became deathly ill. Second Kings chapter 20 tells us what happened when Hezekiah turned back to God:

In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of
Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for
you shall die, and not live.’”

Then he turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, saying, “Remember now,
O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have
done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

And it happened, before Isaiah had gone out into the middle court, that the word of the
Lord came to him, saying, “Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘Thus says
the Lord, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears;
surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. And I will
add to your days fifteen years.”‘”
2 Kings 20:1-6

Basically Isaiah went in to Hezekiah and said, “Take care of things, because you’re going to die,” just like that. Then Isaiah walked out of the room. The news hit Hezekiah hard-verse 3 says he “wept bitterly.”

Ever been hit that hard? Sometimes when you’re hit hard by life’s challenges, it’s all right to release your emotions-as long as you don’t let that get in the way of releasing your faith. Hezekiah released both. He was upset, and he turned his face to the wall and wept. But he also turned to God. He made himself pray, and he petitioned the Lord, “You know that I’ve lived before You all the days of my life, Lord. I’ve sought You, and I’ve tried to do good things. This shouldn’t be the result! This shouldn’t be my end!”

After Isaiah walked out, Hezekiah didn’t just lie down and die. He acted on his faith. He humbled himself, reminded the Lord of their relationship, and begged for mercy. In any trial, even a trial of our own making, we can always do the same. Before Isaiah could even walk out of the king’s court, the Lord answered Hezekiah’s prayer. The Lord told the prophet to turn around and tell Hezekiah that he would live fifteen more years.

Triumph Over Your Trials

Releasing your faith allows God to move. When life hits you hard, repent if you need to, then worship around God’s Word. Pray, “Lord, I’m righteous because of the blood of Jesus Christ. I’ve been washed in that blood. I’ve confessed Him as Lord and I’m living for Him, so therefore I cry out to You in the face of this trial. Lord, I call on Heaven-I need a change in my situation. Show me what You want me to do, Lord, and take care of whatever I can’t do. I trust You with my life.”

If you’ll grab on to these different ways we’ve talked about for dealing with your troubles, you’ll get to the place where you’ll make it through every single trial successfully. You’ll get to the place where you’re perfect and complete in Him, lacking nothing. What looks like it could or would destroy somebody else will not destroy you. Like Hezekiah or the woman with the issue of blood, you’ll come out in a better place after the trial than the place you were in before.

When a trial hits, start by taking the steps we’ve covered. First, realize that we all face trials. You are not alone. Look at your trial as an opportunity to build spiritual maturity and practice walking close to God. Next, take action. Realize that you can do some things to help you deal with your trial successfully. We’ve talked about some important things to do:

• Make yourself pray with thanksgiving and meditate on God’s Word day and night, even if you don’t feel like it (and you probably won’t).
• Watch your words because life and death are in the power of the tongue.
• Make it your goal to speak God’s Word out loud instead of speaking about your trial.
• Don’t forget to make yourself laugh because a merry heart does good, like medicine.
• Worship God around His Word, reminding Him of the promises you find there.

All of these are phenomenal ways that you can release your faith. Do these things, and I guarantee that no trial will defeat you. You’ll deal with the challenges of life successfully, and you’ll be able to say, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14). You will win over trials every time!

The main retirement plan designed for non-profit organizations is the 403(b), but there are also several other options. Here is brief description on each of them.

403(b)

This plan is similar to a 401(k) but is designed to be more flexible in order to make it easier for non-profit organizations to implement. An excellent benefit of this plan is how it allows for both employer and employee contributions but does not require either. Contributions are pre-tax and grow tax deferred similar to how a 401(k) would work.

Until recently, the 403(b) had very loose regulations. Beginning in 2009, the regulations are becoming tighter which will affect both existing plans and new plans. These new laws will increase the amount of annual administrative measures needed in order for a plan to remain compliant. For example, a plan document will now be required and a third party administrator will most likely be needed. Each year this will cost up to a few thousand dollars for the organization which will make this less appealing to churches of smaller staff size.

Simple IRA

This is an employer sponsored plan for organizations of 100 employees or less. It allows for both employee and employer contributions. Compared to the 403(b) it is less flexible, but it does not have any administrative costs. Employees may contribute up to $10,500 in 2008 ($13,000 if age 50 or older). This amount is less than the 403(b) allows but greater than an IRA. The big restriction is a 3% match required by the employer. This would be a great option for smaller churches that would like to contribute to the accounts of the pastors and staff but would like to avoid the administrative costs of a 403(b). Churches have not used Simple IRA plans very much in the past but the new regulations will make this more attractive.

Payroll Deduct IRA/Roth

Given certain income limitations, each individual can open either an IRA or Roth IRA on their own. The maximum contribution is $5,000 for 2008 or $6,000 if age 50 or older. These accounts have similar tax advantages as the other options and are actually the easiest to setup. Unlike the other plans, an individual can setup these accounts without going through an employer. Some organizations may choose to have it run through payroll in order to be more convenient for employees. This would be a great choice if an employer does not desire to make contributions and wants to avoid administrative costs.

Investment Selection

No matter which plan option is chosen, good underlying investments are important. The growth of the account is dependent upon the performance of the selected investments. When choosing the investment vehicle, all three of the following variables need to be considered: Risk, Return and Expenses. My advice is to look at an investments long term track record (10-20 years). Also, know what the total expenses are. Although annuities are often used, investing directly with a quality mutual fund company can be a more attractive option as the costs are typically lower. In summary, the investment is the most important decision when choosing a retirement plan.

Conclusion

Overall, there are several good options to choose from and a lot more details than what is listed here. The next step to select the appropriate retirement plan or decide on an investment would be to contact a qualified financial advisor.

Author

Jacob Tuinstra is an experienced financial advisor at Royal Securities Co. in Grandville, Michigan. Royal Securities Co. is a full service brokerage firm. For questions concerning these options contact Jacob at 616-538-2715.

Past results of investments are not indicative of the future. Actual yields may vary based on market conditions and sales charges. Please read prospectus before investing or sending money. Investments are not FDIC insured as CD’s are and may lose value.

What do all these letters mean?

By Matt Haverdink

Following last week’s article on controlling health care costs, I thought I would offer some more information on the different products that are available to employers who provide health insurance to their employees. The most popular options today, that I see, are HRAs (health reimbursement arrangements), FSAs (flexible spending accounts) and HSAs (health savings accounts). It would be very difficult to explain in one article all the differences between the three options. I will say my experience, similar to Priority Health’s, is that FSAs and HRAs outpace HSAs by a large margin.

In theory, the HSA puts the consumer in control. The idea is that if an employee is spending their dollars then they will try to be more proactive in the cost and type of care they receive. I have not heard any convincing statistics that employees are changing their buying habits because of the HSA. What you don’t want is an employee not getting care in order to save money or because they don’t have the money in their High Deductible Health Plan, which is required for an HSA. Also, with an HSA employees lose the much coveted prescription card. Prescriptions are subject to the high deductible before the insurance pays anything.

On the other hand HSAs do seem to be a good fit for the smaller employer or for the young and healthy.

HRAs put the employer in control and they don’t require immediate funding. An HRA is designed to reimburse the employees if in fact they incur a deductible related expense. Like an HSA, HRAs have a high deductible. However, the employer is usually doing an HRA so they can reduce premiums and self insure a portion of the deductible. If the employees are healthy and have few claims then the employer saves more. Res Life of Grandville has experienced a tremendous amount of savings with the HRA concept.

FSAs (Flex accounts) can be offered along with an HRA or on a very limited basis with an HSA. FSAs allow employees to defer a portion of their wages on a pre-tax basis. These monies can then be used to pay for uncovered medical related items such as copays, deductible, co-insurance, dental, vision, over the counter drugs, orthodontics, etc. Many employees find FSAs valuable because of the preferential tax treatment.

I am including a couple links in which you can get some additional information and questions answered. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to call me or your current agent.

http://www.hsa223.com/plandesign.asp

http://www.priorityhealth.com/pdfs/healthplanspdfs/hsahracomparison

________________________________________________________________________

Matt Haverdink has been providing employee benefits for 17 years and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources. Matt is also the co-owner of Ottawa Kent Insurance and co-founder of HealthTrack. HealthTrack is a corporate wellness provider in West Michigan of which local companies are offering their employees as a prevention tool to combat rising healthcare costs. Questions can be directed to matth@okins.com or (616) 392-6006.