From the General Presbyter
The Enduring Witness fund was initiated in 2019 to resource pastors and congregations by funding the following grants:
- Board of Pension supplements
- Emergency clergy assistance
- Pulpit supply when pastors are on Administrative Leave
- Congregations’ redevelopment/ transformation
- Community Engagement
- Capital expenses related to programs
- Emergency property assistance
The grants, funded from proceeds from sold church buildings, have provided desired and needed support to half of our congregations. However it is time to re-evaluate. While the grants are suspended (with the exception of the Emergency Grants) a team will be reviewing the following:
- Criteria
- Purpose
- Administration
- Funding source
- Access
- Terms
- Schedule
This review should be completed by June, 2024 and a new schedule of grant cycles will be announced. We are looking forward to a well administered, accessible to all, comprehensive grant program that will truly “encourage, challenge, support and equip our leaders and congregations.” (Mission Statement of the Presbytery of Baltimore, 2023). Stay Tuned!!
– Jackie
