An Introduction to the Churches of Christ Provident Fund

Portable Long Service Leave - A Way to Bless Ministers and Staff

The Provident Fund was established for ministers or staff of Churches of Christ churches, colleges and agencies to provide a benefit when Long Service Leave (LSL) is taken. This Fund is portable (follows from one employer to another) to cater for an employee who has not been in the one position long enough to qualify for LSL, as is often the case in ministry. This portability also allows for the LSL account to remain open once the member leaves Churches of Christ employment or has retired.

While contributing to the Provident Fund is not compulsory in a legal sense, there has been a "code of honour" for many years within Churches of Christ that contributions will be made to ministers Long Service Leave accounts.

How Does It Work?

The Fund recommends that churches/agencies make a contribution each year on behalf of their employees. Interest is earned on all contributions and credited to members accounts. The recommended annual contribution is 1.3 times the weekly salary package of the minister or employee if paid to the Fund in March. If paid in September it is recommended that 1.4 times the weekly salary package be contributed to compensate for loss of interest. A "Contribution Notice" is sent annually to remind employers of members to make a contribution.

The Fund maintains separate LSL accounts for each member and a statement is forwarded to members each year in August for the preceding Financial Year. This statement will detail contributions received, withdrawals, interest earned and fees.

How to Join

To join the Provident Fund a minister or employee of Churches of Christ should complete and return the enclosed membership form.

Further Information

To find out more please contact Jason Gor on 07 3327 1628 (outside Brisbane 1300 659 644) or email info@cdf.org.au