Complete 2012 Journal - 2012 NC Conference Journal

Section iV: Legislation and Reports 193
Leadership Team
Clergy Care, Committee on
Since 1971 the Committee on Clergy Care (formerly the Committee on Pastoral Care)
has served clergy in the North Carolina Annual Conference by providing financial aid
for confidential professional counseling and marriage and family enrichment. Beginning
2004, in keeping with our understanding of the call and ministry of those who serve the
Church as commissioned minister, deacon, diaconal minister, elder, or licensed local pastor
under appointment, the Committee is now referred to as the Committee on Clergy Care.
The Committee is comprised of five members from the Board of Ordained Ministry (one
of whom serves as chairperson); one representative from the Conference Clergy Living
Committee; one representative from the Clergy Partners Association; and one Pastoral
Counselor. Funding for grants and expenses of the committee is included in the budget of the
Board of Ordained Ministry and the awarding of grants is dependent upon the availability of
funds.
Financial aid is available to both clergy and diaconal ministers and their families, as described
in the section below entitled, “Eligibility for Financial Grants”. The financial grants, of up to
$400 per family per calendar year, are provided to cover one-half of the cost of counseling
sessions. Ministers under the NC Conference health insurance program should review the
Health Care Benefits for outpatient psychiatric care. The coordination of insurance benefits
and Clergy Care Grants should not exceed 100% of fees charged.
Marriage and Family Enrichment
The Committee on Clergy Care encourages participation in marriage and family enrichment
events, including those focusing on the needs of single, as well as married ministers. Grants
up to $100 per individual, or $200 per family or couple, per calendar year, are available. A
schedule and/or outline of the events, leaders’ names and credentials and verification of
participation should accompany a letter of application for the grant.
Eligibility for Financial Grants
Persons who qualify for financial grants:
1. Clergy who are members of the NC Annual Conference whose status is active and
serving within the boundaries of the Conference, or any person, regardless of conference
relationship, who is serving a local church of the NC Annual Conference, or a dependent.
2. Diaconal ministers and or candidates who are serving a local church and are members of
the NC Conference.
Conference clergy and diaconal ministers and their families are eligible for grants. A family
is defined as dependents of the minister living in a minister’s home or parsonage, including
spouse, children, parents and grandparents. Ministers’ children through the age of 22, whether
attending college or living at home, are eligible to receive financial grants.
Counselors and Therapists Who Qualify for Financial Grants
Only counselors and therapists who meet the following criteria qualify to receive grants from
the Committee on Clergy Care: