Method of operation emeritikas

The deputation emeritus is appointed by the general synod. Once every three years, accountability is given to the General Synod and policy proposals are prepared. This is in accordance with what is stipulated in Article 13 of church order, the manual drafted (and periodically recalibrated) and consistent with previous policies.

Deputies emeritus meet at least twice a year and further as often as deemed necessary. The investment committee, consisting of a delegation of deputies, meets at least twice a year.

In 2024, article 13 K.O. and annex 1.7 K.O. have been significantly amended. The texts now in force can be downloaded here.

To be able to calculate the obligations belonging to the emeritus nursery for ministers who were covered by the emeritus nursery for part of their period of service and then by PFZW, the so-called benefit factor was introduced. The size of this factor is determined individually for each pastor based on the number of years of service up to and including 2012. For each pastor, the number of years of service to be achieved is 37 unless the actual situation exceeds 37 years of service. For the calculation see annex 7 K.O., but a model in Excel is also available to do this.

In its work, the emeritikas uses a manual that summarises and sometimes further explains Article 13 and Annex 7 in more informal language. This and the fill-in sheet for the premium and compensation calculation can be downloaded below.

After the transition to PFZW, congregations faced double burdens, both for the emeriti fund (for benefits to current emeriti) and for PFZW (paying pension contributions). Active pastors were additionally faced with the fact that they are expected to contribute to pension contributions themselves as well. Therefore, from 2013 onwards, phasing-out compensation schemes set up to help congregations and ministers move towards the new situation. An Excel fill-in sheet makes it clear which measures these are and, for individual cases, it is possible to calculate each year the pension contribution due and the compensation to be expected from the emerita greenhouse:

Point of attention transitioning pastor to other congregation

It is important that when a pastor transfers to another congregation, the date of notification by the receiving congregation to PFZW matches the date of deregistration by the departing congregation.

In accordance with the Church Order, the pastor remains under the responsibility of the outgoing congregation until the day of confirmation in the new congregation.

Correct signing on and off is a responsibility of the church councils concerned.

If a pastor is declared partially or totally unfit for work after a long-term illness (after two years), he will receive benefits from the disability insurance taken out centrally. Pension accrual continues as normal in this case.

On the basis of the CGK's investment statute, an emerita investment plan is drawn up annually in which the principles in the investment statute are leading. The investment plan is discussed and approved annually within the meeting of deputies.