DALLAS (BP) - Continued positive trends in insurance rates were reported to trustees of GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention (Annuity Board) during their Nov. 1-2 meeting in Dallas.

A $55.7 million budget for the coming year was adopted during the meeting.

President O.S. Hawkins told trustees that GuideStone's "re-rate process for our medical plans is the best news we have given our participants in years. In fact, many of our Personal Plan participants will see no increase in their medical rates for 2005 and almost 40 percent will actually receive a reduction in their rates.

"We are pleased to announce a 10 percent reduction in rates effective Jan. 1, 2005, for our Personal Plans Long Term Disability coverage," he said.

The $55.7 million unanimously approved by trustees is a 4.8 percent increase over 2004. GuideStone receives no Cooperative Program funds for operations from the Southern Baptist Convention, but pays all expenses from an advisory fee on its investment funds. All receipts from Cooperative Program money are paid as financial assistance to needy retired ministers or denominational workers or their widows.