Ministerial Excellence Fund (MEF)

Ministerial Excellence Fund Grant Application Guidelines

 PURPOSE

The Ministerial Excellence Fund (MEF) exists 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 in service to their local churches.  These grants are funded through donations by individuals and churches to the MEF Sustaining Fund. Gifts from individuals and churches are appreciated to guarantee that the ministry will exist well into the future.

 

WHO QUALIFIES TO APPLY FOR A GRANT?

Pastors (or Professional Church Leaders – PCLs) currently serving in the ABC-IN/KY or ABCGI Regions, whose church supports United Mission or regional offerings in the current or previous year, may apply for a grant.

 

WHAT KINDS OF NEEDS DOES THE GRANT ADDRESS?

  • Health care costs, including medical bills, sudden illness, etc.
  • Emergencies, accidents, and disasters
  • Consumer debt

No grant monies are available for:

  • Supplementing retirement or savings accounts of any kind
  • Supplementing local church budgets
  • Providing salary support or benefits, such as insurance, retirement funds, etc.

Financial advising is available at no cost to all PCLs upon request regardless of MEF grant application status.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO APPLY?

  • Fill out the grant application and family budget sheet.
  • Email Marc Kirchoff.
  • Meet with an approved advisor to discuss your situation as recommended.
  • Submit your application, budget sheet, and advisor’s recommendations (if applicable) to Marc Kirchoff. 
  • NOTE:  Applications from PCLs who are married will be considered as one application. All needs should be identified in a consolidated application.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The MEF Team will consider your application and be in touch with you regarding any next steps. If there are any additional questions, please email Rev. Mark Thompson, our ABC-IN/KY Executive Minister, or, if from the ABCGI Region instead, then contact your ABCGI Region Executive Minister.

 

HOW ARE THE FUNDS DISBURSED?

The grant will be paid directly to third parties on your behalf, based upon approved needs identified in your application.  To address the income tax obligation you will incur, the grant will include money to pay the tax liability. –Please also review this important Tax Notice for PCLs (2017).

For a downloadable brochure, go to MEF Application Guidelines.

The Ministerial Excellence Fund Ministry began in January of 2009.  In an effort to improve, enhance and expand the ministry, the results and impact of the ministry will be evaluated on an ongoing basis.  These Guidelines, therefore, are subject to revision by the MEF Team.