TODAY IN MISSION YEARBOOK
Mission Yearbook: Book promotion supports ministry leaders who have student loan debt
The Office of Financial Aid for Service of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has launched an initiative to support emerging leaders in ministry who are navigating student loan debt. The Student Loan Coaching Book Promotion will provide eligible participants with up to $100 in book credits from the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, along with free shipping.
The promotion is available to individuals who have been in ministry for 10 years or less, including pastors, Christian educators, church music directors, and chaplains — serving in paid or volunteer roles. Applicants must have student loan debt, register for Student Loan Coaching through the Office of Financial Aid for Service (FAS), and complete the Coaching Assessment with FAS’s partner, PeopleJoy, to receive the book credits.
“This book promotion is available to volunteers as well,” said Sandra Duverge, associate for Financial Aid for Service. “We recognize that people in ministry are often volunteers, especially Christian educators.” Duverge explained that eligible volunteers will still need to be carrying student debt and be employed by a nonprofit, even if it is not PC(USA)-related, in order to be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and the PSLF debt coaching provided by the Office of Financial Aid for Service and PeopleJoy.
Duverge emphasized that the promotion is designed to motivate new leaders to engage with coaching while providing essential resources for their spiritual and professional development. “Our hope is to build a strong foundation for the calling of people in ministry through access to printed resources as well as an encouraging coach to help people reduce student loan debt,” she said.
The funds can be used to purchase a wide range of materials from the PC(USA) Store, including theology books, curriculum, children’s books, Bibles, journals and other ministry-related resources. Distribution will be through physical shipments, with shipping costs covered by Financial Aid for Service.
The program is expected to run through the end of the year, with plans to continue in January. After 12 months, participants may be eligible for an additional $50.
Duverge noted that while the up to $100 credits are a strong incentive, the real value lies in helping ministry leaders begin their journey toward student loan forgiveness. “There’s a lot of fear around financial instability and financial debt,” she said. “It’s easier to ignore it even if eventually it’s just going to become a bigger problem.”
Apply here for the book promotion.
For more information, visit pcusa.org/loanassist.
Beth Waltemath, Communications Strategist, Presbyterian Life & Witness (Click here to read original PNS Story)
Let us join in prayer for:
Jason Smith, Stewardship Officer, Stewardship & Funds Development, Administrative Services Group
Christina Barrosso, Administrative Assistant, Special Offerings & Appeals, Administrative Services Group
Let us pray:
When we open our hearts to your love, O God, we can share stories of our seeking and finding you with people of all ages and conditions and so receive new experiences of your grace. Thank you for the blessings you our into our lives when we reach out to one another. Amen.