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Care for Widows and Pastors in Need

Care for Widows and Pastors in Need

We Give Because They Give

 

For 50 years, the PCA Ministerial Relief Fund has filled the financial gap facing many retired ministry workers, their spouses, and especially their widows. Many live at or near the poverty line, causing stress in what should be a season of rest. It’s our turn to serve them.

Watch the Guthries’ story of faithfulness

In 1973, church leaders decided to take a courageous stand and form a new denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). But their decision would be costly, requiring them and their wives to forfeit the pensions earned while serving their former denomination. This was true for the Guthries when their doctrinal convictions led them to conclude that they needed to leave their denomination and align with the PCA. 

The decision also meant leaving behind all their retirement savings. They were willing to sacrifice their future financial security to serve within a denomination that valued the Bible and Reformed faith. 

The Guthries believed being faithful to the gospel was more important than their personal financial security. When the time for retirement came, God graciously provided them with an apartment to live in but the Guthries still faced a shortfall. They had the normal expenses every aging couple faces while limiting themselves to a simple lifestyle. But they didn’t have sufficient savings to last them throughout their retirement years.

This is not uncommon for pastors — ministry positions limit earning potential which results in limited savings, creating a financial gap in retirement. 50 years ago, the Relief Fund was created to help fill the gap for families like the Guthries. 

The Guthries believed being faithful to the gospel was more important than their personal financial security. When the time for retirement came, God graciously provided them with an apartment to live in but the Guthries still faced a shortfall. They had the normal expenses every aging couple faces while limiting themselves to a simple lifestyle. But they didn’t have sufficient savings to last them throughout their retirement years.

This is not uncommon for pastors — ministry positions limit earning potential which results in limited savings, creating a financial gap in retirement. 50 years ago, the Relief Fund was created to help fill the gap for families like the Guthries. 

The Guthries’ story reminds us that this is a churchwide effort. Following God’s call into vocational ministry often involves sacrifice. Together, we can help provide for ministers and widows in need. Your gifts will help pay for housing, food, doctors visits, prescriptions, utilities and more so that the church can look after widows and others in need. Your gift to the Relief Fund honors the sacrifices they’ve made along the way to serve the church by covering necessary expenses. 

“I want to thank you all for being faithful to your ministers. We pray for you and give thanks for you.”

Fred Guthrie, retired PCA minister and Relief recipient

Your donation meets practical needs today

Groceries

Your gift helps provide for basic needs like groceries. $85 provides a week’s worth of healthy food and produce to those in need.

Housing Expenses

We have a growing number of PCA widows and retired pastors living near the poverty line. Help pay for utilities and more with a gift of $135 a month.

 

Medical Bills

Become a yearly partner with a gift of $1000. Provide relief by covering the expense of a year’s worth of medical bills for a PCA widow or minister in need.

 

Care for PCA Pastors and widows through every season of ministry

Here’s how you can contribute

Mail

Mail your check (made payable to PCA Ministerial Relief) to our Donation Processing Center

PCA Ministerial Relief

PO Box 896761

Charlotte, NC 28289

Online

Give Online Here.

Give Stock/Securities, from a Donor Advised Fund, or IRA

Download Instructions Here

Your gift is a partnership providing financial assistance and support to retired pastors, widows, and PCA ministry staff in need. Gifts to the Ministerial Relief Fund are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Geneva Benefits Group, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax Identification # (EIN) 74-3069926. In 2022 we changed our name from PCA Retirement & Benefits to Geneva Benefits Group but continue to use our existing EIN.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after…”

James 1:27