New Program Will Increase Accessibility to Sabbaticals by Offering Matching Funds of Up to $10,000 for Qualifying PCA Churches and Ministries
Lawrenceville, GA – Geneva Benefits Group, the leading provider of retirement and benefits services for the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), is thrilled to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Ministerial Wellbeing Sabbatical Matching Program. This visionary initiative is made possible through the generous support of a grant from the Lilly Endowment’s Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders.
The Ministerial Wellbeing Sabbatical Matching Program is designed to improve the overall health and wellbeing of pastoral leaders by removing the financial burdens of sabbaticals and incentivizing organizations and pastors to plan for them.
“We believe that this program is a transformative step toward supporting the holistic health of pastoral leaders,” said Jon Medlock, VP of People & Culture at Geneva. “By partnering with churches and ministries to make sabbaticals financially viable and encouraging the adoption of best practices, we’re not only investing in the wellbeing of pastors but also nurturing the spiritual vitality of their congregations and communities.”
Program Objectives:
- Enhance accessibility to sabbaticals for low-budget ministry organizations and lower-income pastors.
- Encourage proactive planning and saving for pastoral sabbaticals within ministry organizations.
- Foster the adoption of best practices in structuring pastoral call packages, in alignment with Geneva’s Call Package Guidelines and guidance from Geneva’s team of Financial Planning Advisors.
To advance these goals, Geneva will offer matching funds of up to $10,000 for PCA churches that can demonstrate budgeted funds dedicated to a pastor’s sabbatical.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for a grant from Geneva’s Sabbatical Matching Fund, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Have planned and saved for a sabbatical for an ordained PCA Teaching Elder in good standing.
- Demonstrate adherence to financial best practices to ensure both the pastor’s financial and spiritual wellbeing.
- Willingly collaborate with a Geneva Financial Planning Advisor to assess the pastor’s call package and ensure compliance with best practices.
- Exhibit significant financial need, with a focus on supporting low-budget, solo-pastor churches, and pastors with lower incomes.
- Commit to maintaining the pastor’s salary and benefits during the sabbatical period.
- Pastors must commit to serving in their pastoral role for at least one year following the sabbatical.
Application Process:
In 2024, Geneva plans to offer up to 10 organizations with matching grants. Organizations interested in benefiting from the Sabbatical Matching Program can request an application via email at relief@genevabenefits.org. The application deadline is November 15, 2023. To explore our entire collection of sabbatical resources, visit genevabenefits.org/sabbaticals.
About Geneva Benefits Group: Geneva Benefits Group is the leading provider of retirement and benefits services for the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). With a mission to guide PCA pastors and ministry workers through the complexities of financial planning and employee benefits, Geneva offers a range of services and resources designed to ensure the well-being and long-term flourishing of those serving in ministry. For more information, visit genevabenefits.org.
Geneva Benefits Group serves those who serve others, providing practical support for the financial, physical, and mental wellbeing of people who work in full-time ministry.
