An initiative of the PCAFI · Funded by Lilly Endowment
Providing Opportunities
Securing Futures
Strengthening Families
Through grants, scholarships, education, and partnerships, the Ministerial Excellence Center provides opportunities, secures futures, and strengthens families.
The MEC supports the wholistic flourishing of PCAFI senior pastors, their pastor staff, and dependent children with debt-relief grants and scholarships.
Additionally, the MEC advances ministerial formation through training in homiletics and hermeneutics, advanced leadership development, and academic scholarships made possible through seminary and university partnerships. Beyond the classroom, the MEC strengthens ministry to emerging generations through church- and council-based initiatives for children and families and supports the financial well-being of pastors through confidential financial counseling.
What’s open right now
Updated October 7, 2026
● Accepting applications
Pastoral Jubilee Grants
Up to $2,500 in relief for US pastors facing educational, consumer, or medical debt.
● Accepting applications
PK (Pastors’ Kids) Scholarships
$2,500 a year, renewable for up to four years, for pastors’ children at accredited colleges.
● Accepting applications
Bishop D. Rayford Bell Pastor-Scholar Grants
$2,500 a year for pastors in advanced study at ATS-accredited seminaries.
● Available now
LSS Financial Counseling
Six free, confidential sessions — in person, by phone, or online.
● Reopening soon
PTI28 registration
LEAD · Mar 2–3, 2027, Jackson, MS · GROWTH · Jul 27–28, 2027, Las Vegas
Start here
What brings you to the MEC?
Choose the path that fits you. Each one goes straight to the support you’re eligible for.
Pastoral Jubilee Grants and free LSS financial counseling
Preaching Transformative Initiative (PTI28)
Pastor-Scholar Grants, Fuller, and IWU
CTS Clergy Renewal Program
PK Scholarships, the L.E.T. Children’s Initiative, and C.A.N. Camp
Faith@Home Support Network grants
Why the MEC exists
Pastors are the lifeblood of the PCAFI
Through our planning research, pastors told us that pandemic-era ministry — especially bi-vocational ministry — strains their finances, health, and relationships. Many pastors use their own money to keep their churches running.
The MEC responds with direct relief and trusted professional support: vetted financial counselors, educational opportunities, and programs built around the needs our pastors described to us.
1957
PCAFI founded; local pastors have led it ever since
850+
lead pastors and congregations, in the US and internationally
2022
Ministerial Excellence Fund awarded by Lilly Endowment Inc.
Programs
A place for preachers to grow and develop their ministry
Partnerships with Fuller, Indiana Wesleyan, Christian Theological Seminary, and Lutheran Social Service bring first-class training and care within reach.
Preaching Transformative Initiative ’28
Join more than 2,000 preachers building their craft with mentorship and resources from institutions like Fuller Seminary — and learning to address the most pressing issues of our time from the pulpit.
LEAD · March 2–3, 2027 · Jackson, MS · $100
GROWTH · July 27–28, 2027 · Las Vegas · $150
Partners
Institutions walking with our pastors
The MEC is made possible by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders.