A decade of purposeful partnership

Everence participates in national gathering marking 10 years of ecumenical support for pastors

Everence news |
Church pew

In May 2025, Everence® joined national peers in Indianapolis for a milestone gathering of organizations participating in the National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders (ECFPL), funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The event marked the final convening for Cohort 1 and 2 grantees – organizations that helped launch the initiative a decade ago.

Leonard Dow (left) and Beryl Jantzi enjoy a moment with Kim Miller (right), Senior Program Manager at LSS Financial Counseling. LSS is a longstanding Everence partner.

Leonard Dow (left) and Beryl Jantzi enjoy a moment with Kim Miller (right), Senior Program Manager at LSS Financial Counseling. LSS is a longstanding Everence partner.

Representing Everence were Madalyn Metzger, Chief Marketing Officer and Director of the Everence Pastoral Financial Wellness Program; Beryl Jantzi, Director of Stewardship Education and Program Manager for Phases I and II; and Leonard Dow, Vice President of Community and Church Development and Program Manager for Phase III. Together with ecumenical leaders from across the country, they reflected on the impact and legacy of this collaborative effort to strengthen pastoral financial well-being.

Faithful support, lasting impact

Everence was among the first group of Lilly Endowment grantees selected in 2015, receiving an initial $1 million grant to establish the Pastoral Financial Wellness Program. Two additional grants followed: $1 million in 2018, and $250,000 in 2021 (with an additional $50,000 added in 2024). These grants have helped pastors from some of the more than 30 Anabaptist and like-minded denominations and church networks affiliated with Everence.

Since its inception, the Everence Pastoral Financial Wellness Program has:

  • Awarded 389 grants, totaling over $2.09 million in direct financial support to pastors.
  • Hosted 126 financial education and wellness events, reaching more than 3,600 pastors and church leaders.
  • Provided 324 financial plans, offering personalized guidance for long-term financial well-being.

Designed to address the real and unique financial pressures facing active, credentialed pastors, the program has focused on easing burdens, encouraging confident decision-making, and strengthening ministry leadership.

“The most sustainable pieces of this work weren’t the flashiest or most externally funded,” said Metzger during a plenary session on program sustainability. “They were the parts that already belonged within our organizational mission and strategy.”

A national initiative with deep ecumenical reach

Madalyn Metzger (far right) shares reflections during a plenary session on program sustainability at the 2025 Lilly Endowment ECFPL Team Leadership Gathering.

Madalyn Metzger (far right) shares reflections during a plenary session on program sustainability at the 2025 Lilly Endowment ECFPL Team Leadership Gathering. (Photo by Kim Miller, LSS Financial Counseling)

Launched in 2015, Lilly Endowment’s ECFPL initiative has supported dozens of church-related institutions – denominational boards, foundations, regional judicatories, and benefit providers – across a wide spectrum of Christian traditions. The grants have helped organizations offer direct aid to pastors while also promoting financial wellness, debt reduction, and long-term planning through educational programs and resource development.

Grants were awarded in four cohorts between 2015 and 2024. Participating institutions represent a broad ecumenical network committed to helping pastoral leaders navigate financial challenges such as educational debt, medical bills, retirement savings, and other pressing needs.

A legacy of stewardship and service

While several components of the Everence Pastoral Financial Wellness Program have concluded, the values behind the work continue. Everence remains committed to walking alongside pastors and churches, through financial planning, stewardship education, and partnerships that reflect a shared calling to faithful living. Learn more about Everence support for pastors and congregations at everence.com/pastoral-financial-wellness.