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.
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"!
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!
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 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.
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 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).
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.
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.
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).
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!
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.
Available now through Concordia Publishing House (ebook versions available through Amazon).
Send me a message or ask me a question using this form. I will do my best to get back to you soon!
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