Ministering to Ministers: The Importance of Church Support for the Relief Fund

Patrick Womack has spent his entire life learning, worshiping, growing, and ministering in the PCA. Womack, Senior Pastor at Bay Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs, Florida, preached his first sermon in 1986 after being called to gospel ministry.

Rev. Patrick Womack and his wife Kathy

He reflects fondly on the people who led him on his faith journey, sharing, “My pastor, Fred Murphy, drove all the way up our mountain road one Saturday morning just to talk to me, a seven-year-old, about my relationship with Jesus. Pastor Gordon Reed taught me in seminary, pastored my future wife, officiated at our wedding, and continued, along with his wife, Miriam, to mentor us for nearly thirty more years, lovingly spending time with us and praying for us.”

He added, “Growing up in the PCA, the Lord blessed me through wonderful, godly pastors and missionaries… that’s why I’ve asked each of the four churches I’ve pastored to contribute to the Ministerial Relief Fund.”

The Ministerial Relief Fund exists to care for the current and future needs of pastors and their widows.

Today, a significant number of retired ministers and their spouses face financial difficulties. Their ministry positions came with limited income, which resulted in limited savings. Ordinary expenses like groceries, housing expenses, and medical bills threaten to exhaust the modest funds they possess.

While Patrick finds the opportunity to minister to those who have ministered to us a great privilege, he also has personal experience with the fund. When his daughter, Sarah, battled cancer at the age of 19, the Relief Fund stepped in. “The PCA’s Ministerial Relief called to check on us and churches came to our rescue, and we learned that there are times when we all need a helping hand,” said Patrick.

For over 50 years, the Relief Fund has given $12 million to PCA pastors, widows, and ministry workers in need. As of today, over 900 PCA churches have donated to the Relief Fund through a special Look After offering.

“Please consider giving to the Ministerial Relief Fund often. It is a privilege to minister to those who have ministered to us.”

How Your Church Can Support the Relief Fund

It’s never been easier for your church to support this vitally important ministry. Here’s how to take up a special offering to benefit the Relief Fund:

1. Choose a Sunday or a season to collect a special offering.

2. Order one of our free Church Toolkits, which includes:

• • Bulletin Inserts
  • Slides
  • Video
  • Digital Materials

3. Announce a special offering in advance and invite the church to pray for pastors, widows, and ministry workers in need.

4. Collect a special offering using our church toolkit and share materials with the congregation.