Pension Fund and Bethany Fellows Partner to Support Young Clergy

INDIANAPOLIS - Pension Fund of the Christian Church and Bethany Fellows have strengthened their existing partnership to sustain young clergy in ministry and nurture their financial wellness. The two programs share similar missions and their leaders recognized an opportunity to strengthen both ministries through collaboration.

“This is a natural step in Pension Fund’s ministry to assist ministers at all stages of life,” said Rev. Dr. Todd A. Adams, President and CEO of Pension Fund. “This collaboration with Bethany Fellows allows us to build relationships with younger ministers and helps them develop healthy financial habits at the beginning of their call.”

Rev. Dr. Chris Wilson, Bethany Fellows’ Board chairperson said, “We feel this partnership with the Pension Fund will connect additional young clergy to financial literacy and tools for financial planning. This will strengthen younger clergy with the health and strength of both the Pension Fund and Bethany Fellows. We are excited for this new collaborative effort encouraging pastors and congregations to thrive”

Previously Bethany Fellows has partnered with Excellence in Ministry (EIM), a Lilly Endowment-funded program led by Pension Fund to help new ministers develop skills in both personal and congregational finance. Participants in the program experience accountability and support through peer groups led by Bethany Fellows alumni. EIM participants say the peer groups help them stay on-track with financial goals and deepen their leadership skills.

Since 1999, Bethany Fellows has served congregations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by helping newly ordained, young pastors transition from seminary to sustained congregational ministry with a strong and healthy pastoral identity. Learn more at www.bethanyfellows.org.