The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan announces a new joint venture in partnership with the Bishop’s Office of the Michigan Episcopal Area, the Michigan Conference Appointive Cabinet, and Dakota Wesleyan University. Stewarding the Church in the 21^st Century, a non-profit church leadership certificate program, enhances the ability of pastors to lead mission-focused, financially healthy, congregationally engaged churches. Ten Michigan Conference pastors will participate in the graduate coursework over the next year. The learning sessions, taught onsite in Michigan by Dakota Wesleyan University faculty, will teach these pastors how to raise funds, recruit and manage volunteers, oversee budgets, create and use strategic plans, and develop a purpose-focused congregation.

“I am extraordinarily grateful to the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan for their encouragement and financial support,” exclaimed Bishop David Bard, presiding bishop of the Michigan Episcopal Area. “As a bishop in the North Central Jurisdiction, I have heard wonderful stories about this certification program. I am delighted that we will have a cohort of leaders participating. Our entire conference will benefit from the experience of this group of leaders.”

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This award was established by the Board of Directors upon the retirement of Rev. Dr. Wayne C. Barrett. If you were lucky enough to know and work with Wayne, you know his passion for Stewardship.

Four churches have been selected to receive this grant for their ability to embrace the joy of generosity and create stewardship opportunities during a national pandemic!

Check out our virtual award presentations

Spring was a busy time as the Foundation awarded $63,000.00 in scholarships. First, we partnered with churches with whom we have an investment relationship to provide 8- $1,000 matching grants to UM students through the Dollars for Scholars Quadruple Match program.

Next, we provided a total of $15,000 for six UM seminary students ($2500 each) as part of the Excellence in Clergy Leadership Program in partnership with GBHEM.

And finally, we awarded $40,000.00 as part of the MI Leadership Scholars Program for Seminary Students to four outstanding candidates ($10,0000 each).

Congratulations to:

Elizabeth Batten, Kalamazoo 1st UMC

Sarah DeHaan, Sunnyside UMC

Haley Hansen,The People's Church

Kathie M. Hiscock, Sunnyside UMC

Sunhwa Hopgood, Utica UMC

Todd W. Jones, North Lake UMC

Brian Lightner, Hartford UMC

Allison Mayo-Moyle, Orchard UMC

Kathryn Sappington, Kalamazoo 1st UMC

Jill Sestok, Dearborn 1st UMC

Michelle Vallier, White Lake UMC

Give today to our Scholarship Fund

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