The Church of the Nazarene has received a second grant of $1,000,000 as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.'s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders.

The first Lilly Endowment grant established the Church of the Nazarene’s COMPASS Initiative, which launched in June 2017, along with a Ministerial Excellence Fund (MEF) to provide direct relief to participating ministers. To date, over 125 US ministers have participated in the COMPASS Initiative programs, representing 48 U.S. districts.

"When we married, both of us had significant debt and assumed it would just be a way of life," said Pastor Joe. "However, in our learning this past year, we've found that it doesn't have to be this way ... There is a light at the end of the tunnel."

Of the $500,000 available in the MEF, over $460,000 has been disbursed or promised to these ministers as matching grants. This COMPASS Initiative MEF matches the Ministerial Excellence Fund participation of local churches for their minister, making a total of more than $900,000 available to these ministers for debt reduction and/or retirement savings.  

"Going through this has transformed how we spend our money and will have a significant impact on our future," said Pastor Phil.

The second Lilly Endowment grant will enable the COMPASS Initiative to move into Phase II and continue offering the same programs, matching grants, and learning resources in the U.S., as well as extending the initiative to our ministers and churches in Canada. The programs include: 

1. 1. The COMPASS Journey, a one-year program designed to increase financial literacy and provide up to $5,000 in matching grants to ministers for debt reduction and/or retirement readiness.  
2. 2. The COMPASS Quest, a six-month personal finance online program with a matching grant of up to $1,000.  
3. 3. True North Retreat, an intensive weekend of personal budgeting and money management for pastors and spouses. 

As part of Phase I, the COMPASS Initiative offered five True North Retreats strategically located across the US, reaching 32 clergy couples from 19 districts.

"Before, I felt like I was limited when it came to personal and church finances," said Pastor Paul. " Through this journey, I know we are going in the right direction and feel we now have a strong foundation."

In Phase II, True North Retreats will be made available to more ministers on more districts. The COMPASS Initiative staff will present a pre-conference workshop at each of the six PALCONs, in 2020, to train and equip districts on how to provide a True North Retreat for the ministers of their districts. Plans also include a True North Retreat in Spanish for Hispanic ministers.  

"Join us in celebrating this second grant, as it provides an amazing opportunity for 150 or more of our ministers to participate in the COMPASS programs and matching grants," said Stephen Borger, director of the COMPASS Initiative.

Learn more about the COMPASS Initiative programs, resources, information, and testimonials at compassinitiative.org.