Did you know that Gammon Theological Seminary is able to offer a safety net for retired alumni in the event they or their spouse has a health crisis?

Through our partnership with The Shepherd’s Fund, we’re able to provide this service.

The Shepherd’s Fund’s mission is to bless and serve retired or disabled pastors, their spouses, or widows who have faithfully served our heavenly Father and His flock, by providing financial assistance when a medical crisis occurs, creating a hardship.

Once you apply, your need will be identified, and retired alumni and their spouses can qualify for a one-time grant of up to $10,000 each or $20,000 total.

• Grants may also be given to disabled pastors and their spouses, or widows of pastors. Grants may also be given to retired/disabled pastors that are legal custodians for their adult children that may have a disability from childhood.
• Grants may also be given to retired/disabled pastors that are legal custodians for their grandchildren that may have a medical crisis or disability, regardless of age.

The Shepherd’s Fund is already making an impact in the lives of retired clergy.

While my health is regarded as chronic, I am doing very well due to the medical benefits received through the UM Church when I served as an active clergy. The Shepherd’s Fund makes it possible for me to maintain a comparable level of care through my retirement. My condition requires expensive drugs, care rendered by a variety of medical specialists, regular tests and expensive procedures. Now that I am retired, the Shepherd’s Fund covers my out-of-pocket expenses. This is such a blessing, especially so as my income is much less and my benefits changed in retirement. I am eternally grateful for the generosity of the donors to the Shepherd’s Fund.

Rev. Dr. Katurah Worrill Johnson, Retired Elder UMC and President of Gammon National Alumni Association (2020-2025)

Rev. Beverly Flowers has also benefitted from The Shepherd’s Fund.

Last year, 2022, I found myself in a crisis situation. I was diagnosed with a grave illness. During that time, I was unable to get in and out my bathtub and struggled to step into my small shower. It was unsafe. I was encouraged to apply for the Shepherd’s fund through ITC Gammon Theological Seminary. God blessed me to be awarded 10K to upgrade my bathroom. My application was approved solely upon the Doctors diagnosis of my condition. The application process was very easy. I was contacted within 2 weeks after submitting my application and given instructions on how to proceed. I was able to choose a contractor of my choice and was enabled to design how the upgrade would be done I am encouraging all retired clergy to apply for assistance if you need help with bills and other financial concerns as it relates to many different kinds of health challenges. Applications can be submitted by the person in need, an immediate family member, or a denominational leader. To God be all glory for what he’s doing through the Shepherds Fund. I praise God for he has healed my body today.

Rev. Beverly Flowers, Retired Ordained Elder for United Methodist Church South Georgia Annual Conference

Monique C. Baisden shares her mom’s experience – Rev. Carolyn S. Baisden

My mom, Rev. Carolyn S. Baisden, was a graduate of Gammon Theological Seminary and a retired clergy member who served in both the United Methodist Church and the AME Zion Church for over 20 years. Over the past year, my mom’s health declined, and after numerous hospital stays, she was placed in at-home hospice care. Eventually, she required more care than we could provide at home, and we decided to transition my mom to an assisted living community. Since I had recently been laid off from my job and we were also enduring financial hardship due to her medical challenges, I wasn’t sure how we were going to pay for her new assisted living expenses. After expressing this concern to family and friends, we were told about The Shepherd’s Fund for retired clergy. Shortly after completing the application, we received notification that my mom had been approved to receive funds from The Shepherd’s Fund. Unfortunately, a few short weeks later, my mom unexpectedly transitioned and went home to be with the Lord. However, The Shepherd’s Fund was kind enough to allow us to keep the money that would have gone toward her assisted living expenses and use that money towards the funeral expenses instead. My family and I would like to thank The Shepherd’s Fund for helping us in our time of need. We are forever grateful to God for The Shepherd’s Fund.

Monique C. Baisden on behalf of Rev. Carolyn S. Baisden

To learn more additional information about ITC’s Shepherd Fund or to apply for assistance, email: shepherdsfund@itc.edu