The Presbytery of Baltimore is privileged to receive funds from congregations whose ministries have closed either through the sale of church property or other situations whereby the Presbytery of Baltimore receives assets. The legacy of the faithful members of these congregations continues through the life and ministry of remaining congregations in the Presbytery.
Teaching Elders and Commissioned Pastors are experiencing more burnout and high levels of stress for various reasons necessitating coaching, counseling and a leave of absence. This situation often puts a severe burden on both elders/pastors and congregations to cover the cost of needed support and healing. The Presbytery also has member Teaching Elders not enrolled in the Board of Pensions and therefore ineligible for emergency assistance from the Board.
Committee on Ministry Enduring Witness Grants are available for Teaching Elders, Commissioned Pastors and congregations experiencing a need for emergency financial assistance due to:
- Mental Health Issues necessitating administrative leave
- Coaching/counseling support for elders/pastors and interim elder/pastors where a leave of absence is necessary.
- Separation agreement assistance
- Assisting congregations with pulpit supply when elder/pastor is on leave
Grants for medical crisis not immediately covered by insurance and other emergencies as deemed appropriate by the Chair of COM, the Stated Clerk and/or the General Presbyter are covered under the COM Emergency Assistance Grant
This application will be used for congregations applying for grants administered by the Committee on Ministry. The types of grants are:
- Clergy Grant – Assistance for coaching, counseling and a leave of absence (up to $2,000.00/year)
- Congregation Grant – Assistance for pulpit supplies (up to $2,000.00/year)\
THE MAXIMUM AVAILABLE FUNDS FOR ALL COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY GRANTS IS $15,000 PER YEAR
A final report evaluating the use of funds is required one year after award. Additional funding could be withheld pending receipt of final report.
A report evaluating the use of funds is required at six months and one year after the award.Congregations may not receive additional Enduring Witness funding until the report is submitted.
ALL UNSPENT GRANT FUNDS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE PRESBYTERY OF BALTIMORE.