Resourceful Servants - Emergency Savings / Congregational Financial Assessment Program

To address individual financial wellness among rostered ministers and their preparedness to manage the finances of a congregation or organization, Resourceful Servants has launched the Emergency Savings/Congregational Financial Assessment Program.

Rostered ministers selected for the program will build up their own savings reserves and improve their skills in managing finances in a congregation or organization by participating in both aspects of this combined program.

Emergency Savings
Participating rostered ministers contribute to a dedicated savings account with the ELCA Federal Credit Union. These contributions are matched dollar for dollar up to $50 per month, for a period of up to two years. Matching funding is provided through generous donations from the ELCA Mission Investment Fund and the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Congregational Financial Assessment (CFA)
Rostered ministers and their congregations or organizations proactively engage in a review of their financial systems relative to 21 healthy financial practices. Each practice includes an invitation to assess the congregation or organization’s current proficiency in the practice and resources intended to help with implementation. Ultimately, the congregations or organizations involved develop a plan to address one specific financial practice.

The program launched on August 11, 2023 with an email to rostered ministers currently under call. The due date to qualify and apply for the program by completing the Financial Wellness Assessment is September 20, 2023. There is enough available funding for approximately 300 rostered ministers.

Please encourage rostered ministers to learn more about the Resourceful Servants Emergency Savings/Congregational Financial Assessment program.


Key Dates

• Beginning Aug. 11, 2023 - Qualify and Apply for the Emergency Savings/Congregational Financial Assessment Program through the Financial Wellness Assessment
• Sept. 20, 2023 – Due date to complete the application process
• Oct. 6, 2023 - Applicants will be notified if they have been selected.