The ACELC recognizes that there are times when a Pastor leaves a Call under circumstances of duress or faces financial difficulties because of a faithful confession. The ACELC’s Walter Dissen Pastoral Assistance Fund, made possible by the generous support of the Walter Dissen Trust, was established to provide immediate, temporary assistance for pastors to meet critical needs of food, shelter, transportation, or medical care for themselves and/or their family. Granting assistance under such circumstances is not intended as a judgment of fault on the part of the pastor, his ecclesiastical supervisor, or the congregation he is, or most recently has been, serving. The purpose of the Fund is to enable a pastor to stabilize his temporal needs and focus on those matters which will allow him to continue or return to pastoral ministry.
Limitations
- The grant shall not exceed 50% of currently available funds.
- The grant shall not exceed $2,000 unless approved by the Board.
- The grant may be applied for twice within a 12-month period.
Qualification
Applicants for a Walter Dissen Pastoral Assistance Fund grant must meet the following criteria:
- Be currently on the clergy roster of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
- Have no unresolved charges of false teaching, immorality, malfeasance in office, or neglect of duties.
- Have demonstratable, immediate, short-term needs which are not being met by other resources.
- Give evidence they are pursuing all available resources to meet their needs including:
- Family
- Synodical programs for disability or assistance, including Soldiers of the Cross and Concordia Disability and Survivor Plan.
- Local charities
Application
Applicants seeking assistance from the Walter Dissen Pastoral Assistance Fund must provide the following:
- A completed application for assistance.
- A letter of reference from their current or most recent Circuit Visitor, District President, or local pastor supportive of their request.
Pastoral Assistance Committee
The Walter Dissen Pastoral Assistance Fund is administered by a three-person committee consisting of the ACELC chairman and one pastor and one layman appointed from among the ACELC membership.
