Shepherd’s Fund
Could The Shepherd’s Fund be a blessing in your life?
Partnership with The Shepherd’s Fund
A lifetime of pastoral ministry is a great blessing, but it can come with certain challenges. The majority of America’s pastors serve small churches and do not have substantial salaries; many pastors even work additional jobs to make ends meet. As a result, pastors are often unable to set aside money for retirement or medical care. Then, if a medical crisis hits, pastors and their families may face a financial crisis as well.
Gammon Theological Seminary partners with The Shepherd’s Fund to identify retired and disabled pastors and their spouses who qualify for financial help in this situation. The Shepherd’s Fund offers grants of up to $10,000 to assist with associated expenses.
Who qualifies?
- Retired/disabled pastors and their spouses
- Retired/disabled pastors who are legal custodians for their adult children that may have a disability from childhood
- Widows of pastors
- Retired/disabled pastors who are legal custodians for their grandchildren that may have a medical crisis or disability, regardless of age
What do grant recipients receive?
A retired pastor and their spouse can qualify for a one-time grant up to $10,000 each or $20,000 total. They may reapply in subsequent years, especially if they have a chronic ongoing medical condition.
How do I apply?
The application process is simple. You can apply online at https://www.theshepherdsfund.org/.
If you have trouble using the online application, email shepherdsfund@itc.edu for assistance.
The Shepherd’s Fund Impact
There is hope and help for pastors dealing with financial hardship due to health problems. Many pastors and their families have already been blessed by the generous service of The Shepherd’s Fund. Here are some stories of individuals who have experienced God’s provision through the gifts of The Shepherd’s Fund:
While my health is regarded as chronic, I am doing very well due to the medical benefits received through the UMC when I served as 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 since my income is much less and my benefits changed in retirement. I am eternally grateful for the generosity of the donors to Fhe Shepherd’s Fund.
–Rev. Dr. Katurah Worrill Johnson, retired Elder in the UMC and current President of Gammon’s National Alumni Association
In 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 of 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 $10.000 to upgrade my bathroom. My application was approved solely upon the doctor’s 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 Shepherd’s Fund. I praise God, for He has healed my body today.
–Rev. Beverly Flowers, retired ordained Elder for the UMC South Georgia Annual Conference.
But just like the rest of us, shepherds grow older and face physical challenges. When our shepherds need help, The Shepherd’s Fund is here for them.
Could The Shepherd’s Fund be a blessing in your life?