Concordia University Wisconsin is at the heart of an exciting new initiative aimed at empowering pastors in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) with financial education and debt relief.
Partnering with MinistryFocus and the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), CUW’s Batterman School of Business and Continuing Education Studies department will play critical roles in the Pastoral Excellence Fund (PEF), a program designed to address the economic challenges pastors face in leading their congregations effectively.
Equipping Pastors for Financial Wellness
A significant feature of the PEF is the 14-module, self-paced, online financial education curriculum developed by CUW. This program reflects the Batterman School’s ongoing commitment to fostering leadership skills among LCMS pastors and their organizations. The curriculum includes ten modules focused on personal finances and four modules on organizational financial management. By addressing these two critical areas, CUW aims to provide pastors with the tools they need to navigate personal and ministry-related financial challenges confidently.
The Continuing Education Department at CUW will collaborate with the Batterman School of Business to oversee the delivery and management of the 14 modules, ensuring that participants receive a seamless and engaging educational experience. This partnership highlights CUW’s commitment to interdisciplinary efforts in serving faith-based leaders.
Beyond technical knowledge, the program emphasizes the holistic wellness of pastors. Participants will conclude their training with an online session facilitated by LCEF’s Grace Place Wellness Ministries, where they will reflect on how financial wellness contributes to overall well-being.
Concordia’s Commitment to Faith-Based Leadership
This initiative builds on CUW’s longstanding tradition of integrating Lutheran values into its business education programs. The Batterman School of Business offers a comprehensive range of degrees, including undergraduate and graduate programs in leadership, business administration, and analytics. The financial education curriculum for pastors is another expression of the school’s mission to serve faith-based communities by providing practical, Christ-centered solutions to real-world challenges.
Dr. Matt Hurtienne, faculty member in the Batterman School of Business, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “At Concordia, we believe that financial literacy is a vital component of effective ministry. By equipping pastors with these essential skills, we are empowering them to focus more fully on their calling to lead and serve.”
Collaboration for Impact
The PEF initiative is funded by MinistryFocus through a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of its National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders. With additional matching support from LCEF, the program will offer loan repayment assistance of $5,000 to up to 93 pastors and their families in 2025. This combination of financial relief and educational support underscores the collaborative effort between MinistryFocus, LCEF, and CUW.
Rev. Ken Krueger, president of MinistryFocus, expressed gratitude for CUW’s involvement: “Concordia’s financial education program is a cornerstone of the Pastoral Excellence Fund. Their expertise ensures that pastors not only receive immediate debt relief but also gain the skills needed for long-term financial health and effective ministry.”
Looking Ahead
Concordia University Wisconsin remains steadfast in its mission to serve and uplift faith-based leaders. By contributing to this vital initiative, CUW continues to be a trusted partner in strengthening the church and its leaders for generations to come.
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. To learn more about continuing education opportunities at CUW, click the link below.