News release

IN-MI Mennonite Conference receives grant to explore financial challenges facing pastors

Goshen, Ind. -- To strengthen pastoral leadership, Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference has received a $46,250 planning grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of the first phase of their experimental Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Indiana Pastors. This planning grant will be used to find ways to understand and respond creatively to financial pressures that affect the ministries of our pastors.

The conference’s Executive Committee, Stewardship and Finance Commission, and Church Life Commission are leading this process.

In the first phase, a five-member Economic Challenges Task Force will explore the financial pressures our pastors face and design programs to respond to these challenges. The task force will consist of three leaders from the conference constituency; a representative from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind.; and a representative from MMA, Goshen, Ind.; who will work with Timothy Burkholder, project director, and Advancement Associates, Inc., project consultants. The task force will base its programs on extensive research among pastors and church leaders.

If sufficient needs are identified, the conference would enter the second phase by applying for a grant to implement the programs designed in the first phase.

Praise God for this timely gift and pray for those who will carry out the work of the Task Force and for the ongoing well being of our pastors.

—Timothy Burkholder, interim executive conference minister