Eugene Fisher, vice president for employer services; James Hamlett, president; and Matt Rosine, director of employer services receive the grant check.

The Pension Fund of the Christian Church received a $1 million grant as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.'s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders. The initiative supports a variety of religious organizations across the nation as they address the financial and economic struggles that can impair the ability of pastors to lead congregations effectively.

Pension Fund's Endowment grant will fund the launch of an "Excellence in Ministry" pilot program intended to alleviate financial stresses that impede pastoral leadership of clergy and congregations they serve. In partnership with Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) seminaries, regional ministries and related institutions, the Excellence in Ministry program will offer financial literacy events to clergy, spouses, congregational leaders and seminarians. A limited number of financial relief grants will also be made available for select program participants. Program details continue to be finalized and will be made available at www.pensionfund.org/eim.  

Through addressing financial literacy issues and alleviating financial pressures of clergy, this program aims to:

"The Excellence in Ministry program aligns with Pension Fund's mission and long history of serving those in ministry both spiritually and financially," said James P. Hamlett, President of Pension Fund. "We hope to relate to a new generation of ministers at a time of their greatest financial need."

Pension Fund is one of 27 organizations taking part in the initiative, which represents a variety of Christian traditions.