Are you a Provisional or Commissioned Elder or Deacon, or a Licensed Local Pastor currently serving a congregation? You are eligible for membership in the Preachers’ Relief Society of West Ohio.
PRS has provided financial relief to clergy since its founding in 1837 in the Cincinnati Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At the time, preachers were often left with a weight of debt due to a lack of financial resources if they needed medical attention.
Today, PRS continues to provide support when unexpected expenses jeopardize the well-being and effective ministry of a West Ohio Clergy member.
PRS members can apply for a grant for any of the following reasons:
- High out-of-pocket expenses for medical care when there is a gap in insurance coverage.
- Non-covered vision or dental expenses requiring pre-payment.
- Extraordinary expenses related to the birth or adoption of a child.
- Expenses related to a death in the immediate family.
- Support when medical disability is pending or ongoing.
- Natural disasters such as flood, fire, or storm damage.
- Unexpected critical needs jeopardizing housing or transportation necessary to the work of ministry.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are grants for a fixed amount?
No, grants are not for fixed or specific amounts, but are based entirely upon the needs of members, and so are not IRS taxable.
If I apply, will I automatically get a grant?
Grants are not guaranteed. On application from a member, a small grant review team will review the application and determine if it is appropriate, and the amount that will be granted.
Do I have to repay a grant?
No. When a grant is made it is made outright. It is not a loan and there are no strings attached.
Is the process confidential?
Yes. The grant review team does not disclose the reason for the grant or the amount granted.
Where does the grant money come from?
In addition to the modest dues paid by members, the PRS has fund-raised over the years to establish a significant endowment which secures our ability to continue helping clergy in need.
Do these grants make a difference?
Here are just a few words from members who have received grants.
- “I greatly appreciate the help on both my dental bills and car repairs. Please convey my thanks to PRS.”
- “My heart was overwhelmed by the sincerity of your personal words and the generosity of PRS. What a relief this brings to my heart and my household.”
- “…I was overcome with joy. This is a significant amount of money, and it has pulled us out of a great financial burden. Thank you.”
For more information about membership, including membership cost, visit click here, stop by the PRS table at the Resource Fair during Annual Conference, or email rev.deb.stevens@gmail.com.
If you are a lay person, a lifetime membership in PRS makes a great gift of appreciation for your pastor or a great gift to those being commissioned or ordained!