This grant is no longer accepting applications. If additional money becomes available through matched gifts, the application will be reopened to CRCNA pastors and a call for applications will be shared widely through denominational channels.

Pastor, your flourishing and wellbeing are crucial to your ministry. Pastoring a church through the Covid-19 global pandemic has been difficult and contributed significantly to experiences of burnout and uncertainty of call. These are significant threats to your flourishing and wellbeing!

Pastor Church Resources (PCR), with funding from Financial Shalom and Lilly Endowment Inc., is awarding grants to ordained, active CRC pastors (Minister of the Word and Commissioned Pastor) to fund a temporary leave from ministry (two weeks and two Sundays minimum, four weeks are recommended) to attend to your wellbeing in response to the pressures and challenges brought on by Covid.

Our 40 years of experience working alongside pastors has taught us that gathering together with peers for retreats contributes significantly to a pastor’s thriving. We’ve also seen the indispensable ways professional helpers (spiritual directors, therapists, and coaches) contribute to sustained wellbeing. And, we’ve observed that pastors who take a vocational assessment to increase their self-awareness and articulate their strengths for ministry build resilience in their calling. The Pastor Restoration Grant gives $2,000 (US) for pastors to engage in each of these proven sources of wellbeing: peer learning, professional helpers, and the Birkman Assessment.

All ordained, active CRC pastors (Minister of the Word and Commissioned Pastor) currently serving in a Christian Reformed congregation are eligible to apply for a grant. There are some requirements that need to be met; see the Pastor Restoration Grant Overview and Guidelines.

PCR and Financial Shalom will match contributions from the applicant’s church up to $1,000 (US). Churches for whom paid leave for their pastor would be an obstacle to applying to this grant may be eligible to receive an additional $1,000 (US) to cover their pastor’s pay during leave. The maximum grant awarded is $3,500 (US) per individual. Individuals joining with a group of peers should each complete their own application, noting the names of the peers they’ll be joining. There’s no additional cost for the Birkman Assessment and debrief.

Thanks to funding from Lilly Endowment, Inc., we are able to offer more grants than the original 36. We’ll be accepting grant applications between now and January 31, 2022. Please note these important dates:

Please also note that every attempt will be made to distribute grants equitably among the diversified pastorate of the CRCNA.

If you have any questions contact [email protected].

Application Form
 

Helpful Resources

• Completed, Sample Application
• Pastor Restoration Grant Overview and Guidelines
• Sample Wellbeing Plan