FRANKLIN — Countless Southern Baptist ministers have poured themselves into small congregations that couldn’t afford to pour back. No retirement plans. No health insurance. Often, a church parsonage was the best benefit a pastor could hope for.
Mission:Dignity exists for them.
A ministry of GuideStone Financial Resources, Mission:Dignity provides monthly financial assistance to Southern Baptist ministers and their widows who faithfully served SBC churches but lack the resources to meet basic needs in retirement. Today, the program serves nearly 2,600 individuals — 60% of whom are ministerial widows — with an average of 33 years of ministry service.
More than $10 million is distributed each year, and 100% of every donation goes directly to those in need. (Website: GuideStone.org/MissionDignity)
Who qualifies?
To be eligible, an individual must be 65 or older, have served at least 10 years in a paid Southern Baptist ministry role and have a monthly income at or below the federal poverty level.
Widows may qualify if their late spouse would have met the age and service requirements. Recipients must also have less than $45,000 in assets, excluding their home.
Monthly stipends are $275 for individuals and $375 for married couples. For those with at least 25 years of ministerial service and the greatest financial need, those amounts may double to $550 and $750, respectively.
The 13th check
One of the program’s most meaningful benefits is the Mission:Dignity 13th check — a year-end bonus equal to an additional month’s stipend funded through partnerships between GuideStone and various state Baptist foundations and conventions.
Thanks to the generosity of Tennessee Baptists, recipients in the state have received this bonus in past years.
“We want every recipient to be reminded through this 13th check that they are not alone nor forgotten. They are appreciated and loved,” said Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
The impact of that extra check is hard to overstate. Edna Hamell, an 80-year-old recipient, wrote to Mission:Dignity after receiving hers last year: “It will really come in handy. The refrigerator quit, the washer went out, taxes $1,310. Plus, other items need repairing. I really appreciate you very much.”
Wilma Duggan, another recipient, shared similar gratitude: “I do really appreciate you thinking of me and all the financial help I have received.”
How to refer someone
Do you know a retired minister or widow who may qualify? Here’s how to help:
• Call 1-877-888-9409 or email [email protected] with the candidate’s name, address and phone number.
• An application for financial assistance can be submitted online or downloaded and completed with the person’s help. B&R — Note: Southern Baptists will observe Mission:Dignity Sunday on June 28. It’s an opportunity for churches to give, raise awareness, and honor former ministers.