The Baptist Pension Scheme has three different sections. These are described briefly below. Full information on each section can be found in the Application Packs.
The Ministers’ Section
This section of the scheme is open to Accredited Baptist Ministers and Unaccredited Ministers.
Accredited Baptist Ministers (nationally accredited by the BUS, BUW or BUGB) are eligible even if you are working for other types of organisation but you should check with the Pensions Office first if you are in an unusual situation e.g. working for a charity. Anyone working in the private or public sectors (including prisons or the NHS) should ask your employer what pension scheme is available in relation to that employment.
Unaccredited Ministers are only eligible if working for a:
- Baptist Union within the UK (i.e. BU Scotland, BU Wales or BU Great Britain)
- Baptist Regional Association
- Baptist College
- Church that belongs to the BUS, BUW or BUGB or Associated (Church Controlled) Organisations.
This section is also open to Ministerial Students who are being paid whilst training in pastorate.
The Staff Section
This section of the scheme is open to Staff who work for a:
- Baptist Union within the UK (i.e. BU Scotland, BU Wales or BU Great Britain)
- Baptist Regional Association
- Baptist College
- Church that belongs to the BUS, BUW or BUGB or Associated (Church Controlled) Organisations.
The Basic Section
The Basic section is specifically designed so that the contributions paid by the member and the employer are less than for the Ministers’ and Staff sections. There is no Income Protection cover and death in service benefits are lower. To be eligible, you must earn at least £6,240 for the 2023/2024 tax year (this figure is known as the Qualifying Earnings Threshold and is set each tax year by the government).
Which section can I join (summary)
| Category | Ministers | Staff |
| Who is included? | Accredited and Unaccredited Baptist Ministers, including students who are renumerated while training in pastorate | Staff of Unions, Associations, Colleges, Churches and Associated (church controlled) Organisations |
| Minsters Section |  |
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| Staff Section | |
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| Basic Section | |
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If you are not sure which Section is right for you, we recommend that you seek independent financial advice.