C.A.R.E. FOR PASTOR
Initiative of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
The A.M.E. Zion denomination’s C.A.R.E. program demonstrates our great
CONCERN for our pastors with ACTION through RESOURCES and EDUCATION.
Purpose and Goals
“Change is the end result of all true learning”
- Leo Buscaglia
The purpose of this program is to begin to shift the pastor’s mindset from suffering-in-silence to giving them the encouragement and tools to advocate for themselves at the local church and within the denomination. We want pastors to know that we know their predicament and are doing something about it. This program also begins the process of changing the denominational culture from the hierarchy through to congregations to Care-for-the-Pastor.
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The goal is to create and begin to model a sustainable paradigm for our pastors in their preparation for, execution of, and retirement from pastoral leadership. This will allow the pastor to focus on the care of the people while the people focus on the care of the pastor. The educational program will provide tools to pastors and congregations that seed this change such that others will want to experience the greater change beyond the cash awards. While the cash awards to the pastors is important, its real value will be in the change environment of the awarded pastors such that they become ambassadors for change in the denomination. They speak with other pastors and lay leaders advocating for others to participate in the education component. This can show up in enhanced giving towards pastors’ salaries, proper payroll participation, and contributions to the pastors’ 403(b)9 retirement plan. These items will be measured following the program’s completion and compared to the results collected during the planning phase.
I understand and agree to the following:
1. Complete the required prerecorded online orientation prior to beginning the C.A.R.E. for Pastor Initiative. Completion of the orientation is mandatory for participation in the program.
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2. Successfully complete the C.A.R.E. for Pastor curriculum within the designated program period. Participants are required to complete:
· Five (5) mandatory core modules;
· Two (2) elective modules selected from four available elective offerings; and
· All required module assessments.
Participants will have three (3) months to complete the curriculum. A one-time extension of up to four (4) weeks may be requested by contacting the Program Administrator and must be approved prior to the completion deadline.
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3. Schedule and complete two (2) mentoring sessions with an assigned mentor during the program period.
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4. Secure a contribution of $500 from my local church in support of my participation in the C.A.R.E. for Pastor Initiative.
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5. Complete two (2) confidential financial counseling sessions with the program's approved financial counseling provider and develop a personal financial action plan. Sessions with the confidential LSS Financial Counseling will remain confidential. The counselor will only verify my completion of the required counseling sessions.
(Plan will remain confidential between participant and counselor. The C.A.R.E. for Pastor Initiative will only be notified that the required counseling sessions have been completed.)
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6. I will demonstrate improved proficiency in financial matters through
a. Completion of all required module assessments with a minimum passing score of 80%. Each assessment consists of ten (10) questions. Participants will receive two attempts to achieve a passing score. A third attempt may be granted upon approval by the Program Administrator.
b. Preparing my personal Financial Budget
c. Next steps in my plan for retirement
d. Statement regarding whether I have a will
e. Statement regarding whether I have life insurance or intend to obtain appropriate coverage.
f. Statement regarding whether I have healthcare or intend to obtain appropriate coverage.
g. Participate in required program evaluations, surveys, and data collection activities designed to measure participant outcomes and support program reporting. These may include information related to financial wellness, budgeting, retirement preparedness, emergency savings, ministry challenges, stress and wellness, and short- and long-term financial goals.
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7. I acknowledge that any grant funds received through the C.A.R.E. for Pastor Initiative constitute taxable income. I understand that I will receive a Form 1099 from the A.M.E. Zion Church, Inc., and that I am solely responsible for reporting and paying any applicable taxes. Grant funds will be issued in one payment following successful completion of all program requirements and submission of the required banking information. Funds must be accepted within thirty (30) days of issuance.
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8. I will be required to provide my social security number prior to receiving my grant award but only after it has been determined that I been selected the award.
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9. I acknowledge that I will be eligible to receive a grant award from the C.A.R.E. for Pastor Initiative only if I:
· Have been accepted into the program;
· Meet all published eligibility requirements, including an annual household income not exceeding $75,000 (honor system), have not previously participated in the program, am not the spouse of a previous participant, and am not currently serving as a Presiding Elder;
· Successfully complete all required coursework, assessments, mentoring sessions, financial counseling sessions, orientation, and required documentation; and
· Receive final approval from the Office of the Chief Operating Officer or its designee.