Walking or Leading, we Go Forward by Faith, not by sight!
Contact Jim

About Jim Sanft

A Seasoned Leader

For over 16 years, Jim has served as President and CEO of Concordia Plan Services, an agency of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.  CPS provides comprehensive employee benefit solutions for thousands of ministries and tens of thousands of church workers, including defined benefit and defined contribution retirement programs, along with health, life and disability coverages.  With over $5 billion of assets under management, CPS is one of the largest denominational benefit organizations in the nation.

Leadership During Time of Crisis

His tenure as CEO began just before the Global Financial Crisis and more recently included navigating a global pandemic.  These challenging times helped to refine Jim's skills as a leader and brought clarity to his understanding of "Leading by Faith"!

Coalition Builder

Building and leading coalitions is part of Jim's leadership DNA.  It begins with a belief that strategic partnerships are better than going it alone.  "Better Together" sums up the business model for CPS.  Through the work of CPS, the church demonstrates the value and improved outcomes of Walking Together!

Why Leading By Faith?

Leadership is a journey.  And much like the imagery of a trail disappearing into the forest, we do not know what lies around the bend. But we venture forward in faith and with confidence in our loving and faithful God that does know the challenges ahead. And we trust that he has prepared us for such a time as this.

A Bit More About Jim

Church Benefits Community Leader

Ministry and Church Worker Advocate

Ministry and Church Worker Advocate

A recognized leader in the church benefits community, Jim serves as chair of the Church Alliance - a coalition of 35 executive leaders of denominational benefit organizations.  As vice chair of the Church Alliance, Jim had the honor of serving on the Policy Board of Directors of the American Benefits Council ensuring that the perspective 

A recognized leader in the church benefits community, Jim serves as chair of the Church Alliance - a coalition of 35 executive leaders of denominational benefit organizations.  As vice chair of the Church Alliance, Jim had the honor of serving on the Policy Board of Directors of the American Benefits Council ensuring that the perspective of church plans were considered.  in addition, Jim has served on the board of directors of the Church Benefits Association.

Ministry and Church Worker Advocate

Ministry and Church Worker Advocate

Ministry and Church Worker Advocate

In his role as Chair of the Steering Committee of the Church Alliance, Jim regularly visits Washington, D.C,.  to advocate for church benefit plans, and for the ministries and members they serve.  While on Capital Hill, Jim shares the valuable role that church benefit organizations play in support of the mission and ministry of the respective denominations they serve.


In "Leading by Faith:  Practical Insights for Christian Leaders", Jim shares lessons learned during

Author

Ministry and Church Worker Advocate

Author

In his book, Leading by Faith:  Practical Insights for Christian Leaders, Jim shares experiences and lessons learned during his leadership journey.  The book serves as an example and an encouragement to Christian leaders as they pursue their own leadership journey! 

(Published 2024 by Concordia Publishing House. Artwork by James  F. Sanft).

Buy Now

Credentials

Honors and Recognitions

Dr. Sanft was awarded a Doctorate of Laws, h.c., from Concordia University Nebraska in 2022.  


In 2019 he was given the "Witness in the Public Square" award from the Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS).  


The 2016 convention of the LCMS commended Jim and the work of CPS in support of church workers and their families.


In 2008 Jim received the Friend of Concordia Alumni Award from Concordia University Nebraska.

Education

Jim earned his B.S. in Education from Concordia University Nebraska.  


He also holds a M.S. in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Nebraska Lincoln.

Professional Credentials

In 10 years of working as an actuary in the group insurance field, Jim earned his Fellowship of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and is a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA).

Services

Speaking Engagements

A frequent speaker, Jim addresses a variety of topics from leadership to his work in Washington, D.C.  His audiences have included church worker conferences, district gatherings, men's prayer breakfasts and more.  Jim would be honored to speak to your group!

Consultations

Sometimes boards or leadership teams need an outside set of ears to listen, and an outside voice to speak into challenges.  Contact Jim if you are looking to an experienced, outside perspective.

Leading by Faith: Practical Insights for Christian Leaders

Available now through Concordia Publishing House (ebook versions available through Amazon).

Buy Now

Contact Jim

Questions or Comments

Send me a message or ask me a question using this form. I will do my best to get back to you soon!

Leading by Faith

jim@jimsanft.com

Get in Touch!

Attach Files
Attachments (0)

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Cancel

Social Media


Copyright © 2024 Leading by Faith - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept