U.S. pastors face many challenges while serving the church, including paying off personal debt and student loans. For some, this can be a lifelong battle.
Robbie Cansler, a 2007 Olivet Nazarene University alumnus and pastor at The Mission Church of the Nazarene in Hammond, Indiana, recalls feeling overwhelmed after her call to ministry.
This story is common among ministers seeking ministry training. Quality education is expensive, and despite the vast amount of financial support Nazarene schools offer emerging pastors, they often are left with thousands of dollars in student debt.
Through guidance from her university and by taking out student loans, Cansler was able to finish her education at Olivet.
Cansler faced yet another financial challenge when God called her to plant a church.
That is when Cansler heard about The COMPASS Initiative, a three-year program led by the Church of the Nazarene to address the financial challenges facing U.S. pastors today, at a young clergy conference.
The program has helped Cansler’s husband as well.
“Our participation in online learning and financial study have helped us feel more prepared not only to pay off our existing debt but to set up college savings for our son so he never feels like he has to choose between God’s call and financial stability,” Cansler continued.
After only a few months in the program, Cansler is already seeing long-term results.
Cansler is grateful for the program and the Church of the Nazarene’s continued support.
To learn more about The COMPASS Initiative, click here.