The Clergy and Church Financial Ministry (C2FM) exists to equip clergy and lay leaders to become confident and effective financial leaders within their congregations. When church leaders develop strong financial practices, their congregations become healthier, more vibrant, and better able to serve their communities.
One of the ways in which C2FM pursues this mission is through direct financial assistance. This helps pastors address pressing financial challenges and achieve important financial milestones. These grants relieve immediate financial stress and provide the stability clergy need to focus fully on their calling to ministry.
Pastor Jess Horsley, his wife Shelly, and their son Warren, know how beneficial support from C2FM can be. In the Spring of 2022, Warren was diagnosed with neurodivergent OCD. The diagnosis created many unexpected and difficult challenges for the Horsley family, such as finding the right medical care, medication, and therapy. The cost of medical care was overwhelming, creating even more stress for the family.
“The cost of medical care was overwhelming to us and the stress on our family – and Warren – was truly one of the most challenging things we’ve ever faced (and I say this as a former US Marine deployed in combat)!” – Jess Horsley
But with the help of a C2FM grant, the family was able to get Warren the specialized care he needed and were able to worry less about the financial burden and focus on his short-term and long-term care. Since 2014, C2FM has provided clergy across Missouri with over $200,000 in medical assistance. Grants and scholarships have also helped relieve clergy of financial stress in the areas of retirement, student debt, health and household emergencies, tax debt, child development, and more.
Warren is 12 years old now, and is thriving as an active member of the Riverside United launch at Platte Woods Church, a member of the hospitality team, and PW Youth group!
“A very special THANK YOU for the prayers, support, and financial assistance MUMF has provided the Horsley family through the C2FM program!” – Jess Horsley
If you would like to learn more about the services of C2FM, please reach out to interim C2FM director, Chris Bouchard (cbouchard@mumf.org).