Pastoral Sabbatical Matching Program Offers Accessibility and Support for Ministers

Lawrenceville, GA – Geneva Benefits Group, the leading provider of retirement and benefits services for the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), is pleased to announce the application window for its Pastoral Sabbatical Matching Program. Continuing its mission to make sabbaticals more accessible and financially feasible for PCA churches and teaching elders, matching grants of up to $6,000 will be offered to qualifying churches and pastors. Beginning August 27, 2025, eligible organizations can apply for grants, with the application deadline set for October 15, 2025.

In addition to sabbatical support, Geneva Benefits Group launched pastoral cohorts, a wellbeing initiative designed to foster connection, renewal, and shared learning among fellow ministers. Pastors who are participating in Geneva’s peer cohorts can apply for matching funds to support their sabbatical. By aligning these two initiatives, Geneva continues to expand its commitment to supporting both individual rest and communal growth in ministry.

Since 2022, Geneva has granted a total of 32 matching sabbatical grants to under-resourced churches. By providing matching funds to alleviate the financial burden often associated with sabbaticals, the program enables congregations to invest in the long-term well-being of their pastors, benefiting not only the pastors and their families but also the entire church community.

One recent beneficiary of the program shared that his sabbatical “was a great opportunity to teach the congregation about the importance of rest – not just for me, but as a principle for all of us. It was an opportunity to refocus, and now we feel more grounded in our calling.” Geneva Benefits Group believes that sabbaticals can make a meaningful, positive difference in the holistic health of our pastors and their families.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Commit church funds toward a sabbatical for an ordained PCA astor in good standing.
• Demonstrate compliance – or a good faith plan to comply – with financial best practices to ensure the pastor is financially and spiritually healthy.
• Church leadership (elders and any other decision makers) must willingly meet with a Geneva Financial Planning Advisor to assess the pastor’s call package and determine compliance with best practices.
• Continue to pay the pastor’s salary and benefits during the duration of the sabbatical.
• Certify their commitment to retain the pastors in his pastoral role for at least one year after the conclusion of the sabbatical.

Pastors must

• Be a solo pastor of a church
• Certify their intent to remain in their pastoral role for at least one year after the conclusion of the sabbatical.
• Willingly meet with a Geneva Financial Planning Advisor to assess their family’s financial health and planning needs.
• Pastors must not have taken a sabbatical within the past five (5) years.

How to Apply:

PCA Churches or Pastors interested in benefiting from the Pastoral Sabbatical Matching Program can download the application packet and submit a completed application by October 15, 2025. To explore Geneva’s other resources on pastoral sabbaticals, visit genevabenefits.org/sabbaticals.