Perkins County Ministerial Association: Connecting churches, serving communities
By Emmalee Parsley Stevens
Grant Tribune Sentinel
The Perkins County Ministerial Association (PCMA) is a nonprofit organization made up of local ministers. Their purpose is “to be a blessing to our community by offering spiritual guidance and prayer. We also assist those in need who need food through our local food pantry and financial assistance to help with rent, utilities, and fuel as funds allow,” explained Board President Brett Franklin, whom also is a pastor at Grant Evangelical-Free Church. Other board members include Vice President Denise Johnson, whom is the pastor at the Congo Church, Treasurer Russ Gaar, whom is a pastor at the Grant Evangelical Free Church, and Secretary Diane Pankonin. Other current members of the PCMA are Michael Heckman, whom is the pastor at the Zion Grant Church, and Spenser Johnson, whom is the pastor at the Grant United Methodist Church. Members meet quarterly to discuss business regarding PCMA. The PCMA is open to any church in Perkins County.
When asked what makes this association unique, two answers were shared. Pankonin and Johnson mentioned “We are unique in the sense that we cover the entire county, not just a specific area.” They also shared that they are unique because “we are different churches coming together in the name of Jesus to help those in need.” Franklin added “We don’t ever bring up our differences. We are here for one thing, and that is to help where help is needed.”
PCMA has been apart of our county for many years, however, it was officially a non-profit organization in 2005. At that time, members included, Richard Haden, Ron Kraus,Diana Pankonin, Sally Ruggia-Hayden, and Wayne Pick. Since then, PCMA has helped numerous Perkins County community members in need. The board will evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes, they aren’t able to help financially, but they utilize the power of prayer for each and every family in need and help however they can. In 2025 alone, they have helped over forty people. Eighteen people have been helped through the food pantry, making a total of thirty eight visits. Twenty-three people have been helped financially with different things such as Mortgage, rent, gas, electricity, fuel, and medical expenses. In total, they have given $10,336 to people in need.
Many local businesses schools help the PCMA. One of the biggest supporters is Hatch’s Super Foods.
They have a food bin for customers to donate items as well as a donations register.
Individuals, can help in many ways as well. Currently, financial help is what is needed the most. “We are at a very low amount in our account. Lower than we have been in past years,” Franklin said. Monetary gifts can be written to PCMA, and dropped off at any local church. All gifts given are tax deductible. Food donations can also be made and dropped off at Hatch’s or any church in Perkins County. Volunteers are always needed to help with putting away food that is donated. For more information, individuals may contact any pastor. There is no designated time to do so, it is “as needed.”
If an individual or family is in need of help, they are encouraged to contacts any church to get the aid they need. There are not designated hours of operation, however the pastors will set up a time to meet with the family and assess the situation. Franklin noted, “Sometimes people are ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help, but I want to assure everyone that anyone could just a paycheck away from needing assistance and that’s why we are here.”
There are Thanksgiving dinner boxes available through the food pantry. They include a Turkey and everything needed for your Thanksgiving dinner. If interested you can contact Pastor Brett at 308-352-6382.