The UMC around the world is joining hands to make a kingdom impact in pastoral education. Our Discipleship Priorities include a focus on Culture of Call, Professions of Faith, Spiritual Leadership Development, Mental Health & Well Being, and Disrupting and Dismantling Racism and Discrimination. Invitations to live these priorities come in many forms. This one is about something bigger than us.
A leadership gap persists in The United Methodist Church. In the U.S., 71% of clergy hold a master’s degree in theology. Outside the U.S., fewer than 5% do. U.S. seminaries benefit from significantly more denominational funding and generally have healthy endowments. In contrast, over 20 theological schools in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines receive limited support and have little or no endowment.
From now through May 17th, we invite you to become aware of and consider this moment to help the United Methodist Church permanently endow scholarships enabling 500 students each year to prepare for ministry in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.
This is one way we can act as a worldwide family to live our shared mission to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously. The invitation is called “Miracle Sunday”.
Here are three ways you can increase your awareness this week:
- Watch this 2-minute video about Gabriella, a student at United Seminary in Harare who discovered joy, meaning, and purpose when life felt like it was falling apart.
- Reflect on these Scriptures: Psalm 119:1–8; Ephesians 4:11–16: Luke 5:1–11
- Meet Bishop Ande Emmanuel in this 2-minute video as he describes the impact UMC support helped him respond to God’s call on his life.
Miracle Sunday contributions can be made at the following link: https://www.endowftecc.org/donate
