The Ministerial Excellence Fund (MEF) is up and running.  Our purpose, as stated in our guidelines, is to “provide assistance to Professional Church Leaders (PCLs) facing financial difficulties that prevent them from focusing on the greater tasks of Kingdom ministry.  By removing barriers of financial hardship and need, the path is cleared for pastors to focus on, develop and implement excellence in their personal ministry serving their local churches.”  Our MEF Team has established guidelines and an application process designed to meet this goal. 

In our first cycle of grants, 23 applications were received from PCLs in the ABC/IN-KY and ABC/GI regions. Financial needs identified included medical expenses, education expenses, including student loan debt, household expenses, and more.

On April 23, the MEF Team met to consider the grant requests received.  Eleven grants were awarded.  Eight applicants were contacted to gain additional information in order to better assess how grant moneys could be used to fulfill the greatest needs.  Unfortunately, we were not able to meet every need.

A total of more than $35,000 was awarded in this initial grant cycle.  In keeping with requirements, just more than $35,000 in matching funds was pledged, resulting in some $70,000 in resources being released to remove financial barriers facing PCLs in our two regions. 

We invite your participation in the MEF ministry.  How?  If you are or know of a PCL facing significant financial obstacles, we encourage an application.  Guidelines, a Tax Notice and Application Form are available online at www.abc-indiana.org and at www.abcgreaterindianapolis.org.

If you are able to assist with matching funds, please consider a gift to the “Blessings Fund”.  This fund was established to assist in cases where churches of applicants are not able to meet the entire need for matching funds.