Everence has concluded its $2.5 million Pastoral Financial Wellness Program after 10 years of partnership with Lilly Endowment Inc. through the National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders.
Three Lilly Endowment grants enabled Everence to first serve pastors within Mennonite Church USA and the Rosedale Network of Churches and later extend support to credentialed pastors across more than 30 denominations and church networks Everence serves.
The program provided financial assistance, long-term financial planning support and financial education to pastors. Everence awarded 399 pastoral financial assistance grants totaling $2.1 million, issued 160 financial planning subsidies and hosted 124 financial education and wellness events engaging more than 4,000 pastors and church leaders
Pastoral financial assistance grants addressed urgent needs such as medical expenses, tax liabilities, housing insecurity and high-interest debt. Many pastors said the assistance helped them remain in ministry during times of significant financial strain.
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