Pastors are called to shepherd members of their congregations through life’s challenges—but what happens when their own burdens become overwhelming? Financial stress can quietly erode a pastor’s peace of mind, and emotional strain can lead to financial missteps. Mistakes with money may worsen distress, which in turn may lead to more mishandling of resources in a vicious cycle. The truth is mental and financial wellness are not separate journeys—they’re related to each other.
At MMBB, we’ve witnessed the deep intersection between emotional and financial health in the lives of clergy. When your church is struggling, your salary is uncertain, or your retirement feels out of reach, it doesn’t just affect your bank account—it weighs on your psyche. And when you’re emotionally depleted, it’s harder to make wise financial decisions, ask for help, or even open the bills.
The data supports what many pastors already know in their hearts. According to the American Psychological Association, money remains the top source of stress for U.S. adults, and financial strain is strongly linked to anxiety and depression 1. For clergy, this stress is often compounded by the expectation that they’re “too blessed to be stressed.” Ministers may readily seek assistance for their church but may be reluctant to seek help for their personal wellbeing. However, even those who counsel others need a safe space to be heard.
These statistics underscore a sobering reality: financial insecurity is not just a personal burden—it’s a vocational threat. When pastors are beleaguered by debt, underpaid, or unable to plan for retirement, their ability to lead, serve, and remain in ministry is compromised.
That’s why MMBB offers a holistic approach to financial wellness including retirement benefit plans and financial tools, while also providing confidential, compassionate support for the whole person. Whether you’re navigating debt, burnout, or both, MMBB’s programs and practitioners help pastors address the root causes—not just the symptoms.
MMBB Financial Wellness Director Earl Thorpe declares: “People may work hard to pay off debt, but it’s just as important to identify the foundational issues surrounding why the debt occurred in the first place. When someone understands the basis of their attitude about money, they’re better able to avoid falling into debt again.”
Asking for help can feel like a spiritual struggle. MMBB is privileged to provide professionals—counselors, coaches, and financial planners—who can walk with you. Financial planning with an MMBB Financial Planning Specialist is available to all our members at no additional cost as part of membership. Our Strategic Pastoral Excellence Program (SPEP) has been transforming the lives of pastors who qualify for the program since 2019. MMBB Cares, which offers free, confidential counselling and coaching, has been serving the mental and vocational wellbeing needs of clergy for nearly two years.
Every good counselor needs a counselor. Every pastor needs a place to process. If you’re feeling the weight of it all, know this: you’re not alone. And there’s faith-based help just a conversation away.
Visit www.mmbbcares.org to learn more about MMBB Cares. SPEP equips pastoral leaders and their congregations with essential financial literacy tools, empowering clergy to lead with confidence. MMBB members are welcome to reach out today to learn more and apply to be considered for this impactful program. If you are a member who would like to schedule an appointment with an MMBB financial planner, contact [email protected].
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