2026 Report of the Ministry Assistance Fund

This committee came into existence a number of years ago as the consequence of a gift to the Ontario Association of Christian Churches in Ontario. A couple of years ago, the resources and committee were transferred to the auspices of the “All Canada Committee”.

Originally the purpose was to assist destitute ministers and their families through difficult situations. With the development of the pension fund of the Christian Church in the United States and Canada, the possibility of avoiding ministerial destitution now had a more appropriate way of being addressed. Nevertheless, financial exigencies do arise from time to time and the committee seeks to provide some appropriate assistance for our ministers serving in Canadian ministries.

The various instances of such assistance are addressed on a case by case basis and maintained as confidential to the committee and the persons involved.

In addition to such assistance, a decision was made some years ago that assistance to provide supplementary pension credits would also help to reduce future ministerial needs. Thus , each year at the Christmas season, a supplementary contribution is made on behalf of each Canadian member of the pension fund toward their pensions.

At the same time, a token gift is also sent to the surviving members of retired ministry families as a token of appreciation for their years of service.

The committee invites requests for assistance from ministers and their families serving or having served in our Canadian ministries, who are dealing with short term financial exigencies. Because the resources of the committee are limited, each request is carefully assessed and provided as best seems appropriate.

The current assets of the committee are listed in the treasurer’s report to the assembly.

 Ron Dakin, Chair of the Ministry Assistance Fund Committee