The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board. Serving those who serve.

Pioneering Baptists founded The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board (MMBB) in 1911 to address and help relieve the poverty suffered by many pastors of the day, especially in rural and Western communities. Based on the philanthropic and Biblical principle that those who preach the gospel were entitled to live by the gospel, MMBB was established "for the better maintenance of the ministry." MMBB recognized that many ministers had difficulty providing for themselves and their families on their modest incomes. In many cases clergy struggled to feed and clothe their families, and became destitute if unable to work due to illness, injury or advancing age. Widows and children of deceased pastors fared even worse.

MMBB, originally managing a simple emergency relief trust, began to develop a robust program of essential benefits to increase the financial security of ministers, missionaries and their dependents. MMBB later opened its plans to lay employees, made health plans available and offered member investment choices. Part of American Baptist Churches USA, MMBB received an IRS private letter ruling in 2000 allowing the organization to open its benefit plans to Baptist-like affiliated organizations.

Today, almost 100 years later, MMBB proudly serves 11 of the world’s leading Baptist organizations affiliated with the New Baptist Covenant. Through MMBB's flagship Benefits for Life program, employers provide disability and life insurance during their working years and lifetime income in retirement. This gives their staff peace of mind and a greater sense of financial security. Additional employer and member savings are available. For greater security, MMBB also offers PremierHealth medical, dental coverage and long-term care insurance. Because MMBB is a church benefits board, eligible clergy may receive a substantial portion of MMBB benefits as a tax-free housing allowance.

The successful combination of these essential benefits and the personalized service that MMBB provides has bolstered generations of members. MMBB currently manages over $2.7 billion in assets for more than 14,000 members.

MMBB understands the unique blessings and challenges of the ministry, remaining steadfast in lifelong support of each member who becomes a participant in their program. Hallmarks of MMBB support include skilled money management, educational opportunities and caring, responsive member service representatives who take the time to assist members with their personal financial challenges and help them achieve their desired financial goals.

One member who was able to help his family through the comprehensive, essential benefits that MMBB offers was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Amid the threats and violence of the Civil Rights Movement, King enrolled in MMBB's essential benefit protection in 1962. This visionary minister selected a plan that would provide for his family if he became disabled or passed before he could partake in his retirement benefits. After Dr. King’s assassination MMBB reached out and ministered to his family, as it has done for so many other members during their time of need. They were eligible for numerous benefits including a multiple of Dr. King's annual salary in a single sum, a monthly allowance for each of his four children and a monthly survivor's benefit for his widow which was paid for 37 years until her death.

Like the members it so enthusiastically supports, MMBB has weathered the challenges of the last century and has proven its financial, moral and social strength. The organization consistently strives to provide superior and reliable resources to members when they need them the most. MMBB is a lifelong partner and supporter to all of their valued members.