In an era where researchers are heralding the decline of the Church in the United States of America, the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith International (PCAFI) is committed to prayerfully and innovatively advancing God’s Kingdom for maximum impact. The vision for the Ministerial Excellence Center (MEC) is precisely in line with that commitment—to support the wholistic flourishing of our pastors for personal and ministerial excellence. Since our founding in 1957, local pastors have been and continue to be the lifeblood of the organization, especially given our unique denominational polity. At present, over 700 lead pastors and their respective congregations comprise the ever-growing and increasingly international body. Through planning research, we have  learned that pandemic-era pastoral ministry, especially bi-vocational ministry, holds significant threats to the financial, physical, mental, and relational health of pastors and their families. Pastors’ personal finances are often used to fund church and congregational operations, which can have a direct effect on their personal lives.

 

High-level Overview

We recognize the wisdom of intentionally investing in the spiritual flourishing, theological development, and ministerial effectiveness of our pastors, and have carefully listened to our largely bi-vocational cadre of pastoral leaders to gain their insights regarding some of the key impediments and economic challenges they face. We endeavor to offer vetted complimentary professional service providers, including executive coaches, lawyers, accountants, financial planners, and therapists, and envision bringing such talent to our Bishop Board Meeting and L.E.A.D. Conference (held annually in February) and International Holy Convocation (held annually in July). These services will provide a first-class, culturally contextualized ecosystem of opportunities, including those available through the Lilly Endowment-funded grantee community.

 

Summary

In essence, we want to provide pastors with a one-stop shop for many of the resources and tools that can propel them to higher levels of ministry-effectiveness and abundant life. Through the generosity of the Lilly Endowment’s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders Phase 1 planning grant, we are now positioned to provide direct relief to enrich and restore the overall well-being of our pastors, their families, and their churches.