Pension Fund Awarded Lilly Grant to Research Clergy Finances

INDIANAPOLIS, February 10, 2015--Lilly Endowment has awarded a $50,000 planning grant to Pension Fund of the Christian Church in order to study the financial knowledge and economic stresses facing pastors. The results of the planning process could lead to an implementation grant request of up to $1 million to support programs that enhance financial skills for effective leadership, and establish a grant program for student and consumer debt of pastors. The Endowment has also awarded a related planning grant to the Christian Church in Indiana. Pension Fund expects to collaborate extensively with the Indiana project in the development of programs and to develop a joint implementation strategy.

The Rev. Dr. Robert Lee Hill, Senior Minister of Community Christian Church in Kansas City, Mo., will direct the planning process. Pension Fund staff members will provide significant support in the planning process.

'We're honored to be invited by Lilly Endowment to submit a grant proposal, and we look forward to collaborating with the Christian Church in Indiana in our mutual efforts to support ministry in new and exciting ways,' said Pension Fund President James P. Hamlett.

The planning process is expected to be completed over the next six months. If requested and received, an implementation grant will have a three year focus beginning in 2016.

Pension Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) provides pension and retirement savings accounts for clergy and lay employees of congregations, regions, general ministries and church-related colleges and seminaries. Pension Fund manages over $3 billion in net assets on behalf of those served in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and related international ministries.

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