Applying to a Trust
Charlie Styles is the Chair of AOCM
Training for ministry can be a difficult time financially. Fear not, there are many people who want to help. Don’t try and go it alone. Here are some tips.
Principles
Before acting, it’s worth keeping some big principles in mind.
Keep your focus
Money can be a real issue, and can sometimes become an idol to us. For many it can be wealth that proves a distraction, but more often for the ordinand it is the opposite. If you are spending all your time worrying about money, then you are not giving yourself whole-heartedly in the Lord’s service. Make sure that in all things you keep the main things the main things and don’t get distracted by physical need. Easier said than done, I know.
Pray to the Provider
God often allows us go to through hard times to grow our faith, to teach us to depend on him. Financial hardship tests our belief that God provides for his people. Need forces us to our knees. If we just look to those around us, then we’re missing out on a chance to trust God. Our first response to financial pressure should be prayer to the one who provides.
Action
There are lots of people who want to help. Use the church that God has surrounded you with and don’t be too proud to admit your need.
First, speak to your diocese.
They are there to support you and they won’t want money worries to be consuming you whilst you train. Most dioceses will make some attempt to help you directly if they can, or else will know who you can talk to.
Second, speak to your church community.
God has put us in families - groups of His people who love and care for us. Ask at your church - either your sending church or the church that you’re part of currently. If they can help, I’m sure they will. You can but ask.
Third, speak to your college or course.
Some training instutitions have bursary funds or hardship funds to help students. Some of the student groups do too. Talk to those who care for you pastorally, they will want to help if they can.
Fourth, apply to grant-making trusts.
Great and godly people have given generously in the past and continue to give. There are many many charities that may be able to help you. We list them on this site.
Before you apply
- Find out as much as you can about the trust’s purpose and make sure your need fits.
- Make sure that you provide all the information they need to decide on your claim
- Write to the right people. (When addressing the clergy it is always advisable to check the section “How to address the clergy” in Crockfords Clerical Dictionary.)