New Ministry Support Fund Will Strengthen Clergy Care and Development

Announcing the Ministry Support Fund, Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries, emphasized the importance of investing in clergy well-being, leadership development, and support systems that help pastors thrive in ministry and strengthen congregations and communities. Photo courtesy of Adam Bowers

By Wendy R. Cromwell

ATLANTA — A new grant program, the Ministry Support Fund, to support clergy care, leadership development, and conference ministries was announced August 19 during the Boards of Ordained Ministry (BOM) Mid-Quadrennial Training held in Atlanta. The initiative was created by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the General Board of Global Ministries to help annual conferences address emerging needs related to licensed and ordained ministry.  

The program is intended to support boards of ordained ministry, conference staff, cabinets, and episcopal offices as they develop and care for clergy. Grants will range from $25,000 to $50,000, with opportunities for renewal for up to four years. Applications open October 1 for grants awarded in 2027.  

“Healthy, supported clergy are essential to the vitality of our congregations and communities,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary for Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries. “We hope this initiative will help annual conferences strengthen the systems of care, development, and support for those who guide, nurture, and lead our churches every day, helping them to thrive in ministry.” 

The need for clergy support also surfaced repeatedly during presentations and discussions with representatives from the boards of ordained ministry during the mid-quadrennial training. 

Mary Hyde, a clergy leader, coach, and consultant, shared research showing that clergy face increasing levels of isolation, stress, and complexity in ministry. Hyde highlighted Reflective Pastoral Supervision, a model that creates confidential spaces for clergy reflection, support, and growth. Research from multiple settings found improvements in well-being, ministry effectiveness, leadership development, and vocational clarity. 

Kelly Fitzgerald, director of Benefits Education and Well-Being at Wespath, and Jill Buckler, manager of Systemic Well-Being at Wespath, emphasized that clergy wellness is shaped not only by individual choices but also by the systems in which clergy serve. Data from Wespath’s multiyear clergy survey presented during the training showed declining overall well-being, significant levels of loneliness, and increasing emotional health challenges among clergy. 

Buckler noted clergy often navigate competing expectations, complex boundaries, and an overwhelming range of responsibilities. BOM leaders discussed the growing demands placed on clergy and shared models for developing core competencies in preaching, teaching, worship, leadership, administration, relationships, pastoral care, conflict resolution, and missional engagement, along with coaching and support systems that help clergy thrive. 

Wellness programs, coaching initiatives, transition support, renewal leave programs, and clergy supervision models already in use across annual conferences are areas that could align with the goals of the Ministry Support Fund. Learn more and apply.

The Ministry Support Fund is one of several grant opportunities administered by GBHEM, Global Ministries, and partner ministries, with funding cycles scheduled throughout the coming year for annual conferences, organizations, and local churches. These grant opportunities include: 

• Young Clergy Initiative Grants, which award up to $1 million annually for vocational discernment and young clergy development. Individual grants will range from $5,000 to $100,000. Applications open Sept. 1, with awards beginning this fall. Learn more
• Multiethnic Ministries Grants, which support racial and ethnic leadership development and congregational growth through grants of up to $20,000, with seven grants available annually. Applications open Jan. 1, 2027, for awards in the following year. Learn more.
• Mustard Seed Migration Grants, which provide up to $2,000 to as many as 100 local churches engaged in ministry with migrants and refugees. The grants support community-based service projects and ministries serving newcomers in local communities. Learn more about the Mustard Seed Migration Grants. 
• Environmental Sustainability Grants 
  • EarthKeepers awards implementation grants up to $10,000 after completed training. Applications are open. Learn more about the EarthKeepers.
  • Solar and Battery Pilot Program awards grants up to $100,000 for 10 churches. Both programs provide training and support to help churches advance environmental stewardship efforts. Applications opened on August 18. Learn more about the pilot program.