As churches and ministry leaders across the country continue facing growing emotional and financial challenges in ministry, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) is hosting a nationwide series of free workshops focused on supporting the emotional and financial wellbeing of pastors and ministry leaders during Mental Health Awareness Month.
The initiative, titled “Pastors, Finances, and Their Mental Health,” seeks to provide practical guidance, emotional support, and financial tools for leaders navigating ministry burnout, economic pressure, and the increasing demands of pastoral leadership.
As part of the series, the NHCLC hosted a workshop on Saturday, May 16, at Iglesia El Puente in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where pastors and leaders participated in conversations centered on emotional health, sustainable ministry leadership, and healthy financial stewardship.
The gathering was led by Dr. Charles Olmeda, Director of NHCLC’s Financial Health Initiative, and Pastor Reina Olmeda, MAPC, Director of the Mental Health Initiative. Pastor Veronica Ortiz, NHCLC Chapter Director in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, served as host and assisted with local coordination for the event.
“Many pastors are leading while silently carrying emotional exhaustion and financial pressure,” Dr. Charles Olmeda said during the workshop. “Our goal is to open necessary conversations and provide practical support that strengthens both leaders and their families.”
Pastor Reina Olmeda also emphasized the importance of prioritizing emotional care within ministry leadership. “Emotional wellbeing is not a luxury for pastors and leaders; it is essential in order to serve in a healthy way and sustain the calling long term,” she said.
The workshop is part of NHCLC’s ongoing work through its Center for Ministerial Health, an initiative focused on the spiritual, physical, emotional, financial, and relational wellbeing of pastors and Christian leaders.
The organization also highlighted the importance of openly addressing mental health within the faith community, especially during May, recognized in the United States as Mental Health Awareness Month.
According to NHCLC leaders, the workshop series will continue in additional cities over the coming weeks, including California, South Dakota, and Puerto Rico, as part of the organization’s commitment to strengthening and supporting pastors and ministry leaders across the country.
This year, the NHCLC celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a legacy of leadership, service, and influence within the Hispanic evangelical community throughout the United States and Latin America. Over the past two decades, the organization has led initiatives focused on defending life, protecting religious liberty, advancing biblical justice, and strengthening churches and ministry leaders.
