Together, we want to build sustainable support by endowing theological education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines.
Learn about it! Be inspired! And get involved!
Learn About -> Present Challenges
Be Inspired -> Future Impact
Get Involved -> Donor Giving
Be Updated -> Resources
United Methodists around the world have received a call to full-time ministry. They want to be equipped. Outside the USA, there are vast geographical areas and multiple languages, huge distances to a Methodist seminary and limited financial resources, few trained teachers and small libraries. Africa University is the only institution with a substantial endowment. But most candidates for a new generation of United Methodist clergy are trained in other institutions in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. Their theological education will form trusted leaders. They need our support.Together, we want to build sustainable support by endowing theological education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. Learn about it! Be inspired! And get involved!
Present Challenge
The UMC in Africa, Europe and the Philippines
The UMC is growing in most of these regions with multiple countries and even more languages. Clergy and lay are engaged in God’s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This mission needs persons equipped for ministry. United Methodist clergy lead, teach, inspire, comfort, transform, heal, and serve. Their impact is immeasurable. Their responsibilities demand a dynamic, robust, theological education. Yet access to theological education varies greatly across our connection.
Future Impact
Personal Stories from around the world
The Endowment Fund has collected personal stories of clergy and lay who explain the importance of theological education. Some share how they have personally been transformed by it. Others witness on the impact their studies have had on their present ministry. Others urge the need to improve and sustain theological education. Our first videos were made with delegates to General Conference in 2016. This proves in itself how theological education has led to a new generation of leaders in the church. It shows how Methodist ministry joining personal and social holiness transforms communities.
Donor Giving
All around the world, persons have already contributed to the Endowment Fund! Individual giving, Giving Circles and tithing on project support have been contributed from Africa, Europe and the Philippines, in addition to growing support from the USA!
There are many ways to give to this important effort: online, check, automatic transfer from bank, stock, securities, real estate or bequest. You may create a giving circle or make a focused, restricted gift. The major options are explained below. Your gift to the Endowment Fund is tax-deductible in the USA. 7% of each gift towards the permanent endowment will be put in the term endowment. The term endowment covers administrative and campaign costs. Any surplus in the term endowment will eventually benefit the purpose of the permanent endowment.
Ukraine, photo courtesy of UMNS