The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan has hired the Rev. Brad Bartelmay as the Senior Director of Mentored Learning.

The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan is pleased to announce that the Rev. Brad Bartelmay will serve as the Senior Director of Mentored Learning. This newly created position is designed to support pastors and local church leaders with their ministry, vision, and leadership. Bartelmay will assist church leaders with implementing financial best practices. He will also intentionally mentor new pastors and pastors in transition to strengthen their financial understanding and steward leadership skills. As the title implies, his focus is on mentoring pastors and church leaders so that we are growing generous communities of faith across the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church and beyond.

Rev. Bartelmay brings a wealth of experience in the practical financial ministries of the Church. He is widely respected throughout the Michigan Conference as the immediate past president of the Council on Finance and Administration. He provided oversight during major staff transitions and the formation of a new annual conference. He has been deeply involved in streamlining conference finances and working with the conference’s chief financial officer to ensure financial transparency and solvency for the future. In his most recent role as special assistant to the bishop, Bartelmay has graciously walked alongside numerous church leaders during the disaffiliation process. He will continue in this role with the Michigan Conference for the immediate future as he steps into his tenure with the foundation.

Rev. Bartelmay has also been a key leader with the foundation for several years. He has served as a diligent board director, chaired the foundation’s Awards Committee, and been a member of the Executive Committee. When reflecting on the beginning of this new adventure, he enthusiastically shared, “I’m thrilled at becoming a part of the foundation’s excellent team of leaders. I’m particularly looking forward to working with clergy and congregations, helping to strengthen their financial capacity, as well as the vibrancy of their ministries.”

David S. Bell, president and executive director of the foundation, shared his excitement about this new opportunity. “This new senior level position will once again grow our staff capacity to directly support pastors and church leaders. Brad will focus especially on those who are new to ministry or transitioning into new vocational or volunteer positions. Brad’s ability to patiently and confidently mentor pastors and church leaders is extraordinary. As a seasoned pastor, he has the unique combination of the empathy of a pastor’s heart and the tenacity of an entrepreneurial leader. I’ve witnessed firsthand his keen mind and collaborative efforts in overcoming challenging organizational constraints. We are very blessed to welcome Brad to our growing team. He is well-equipped to help congregations across all theological perspectives in the Wesleyan tradition.”

The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan has served churches, ministry leaders, and individuals since 1926. Staffed by dedicated professionals and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the foundation offers a broad continuum of financial stewardship services, including value-aligned investment funds, stewardship consultation, planned giving seminars, grants, awards, and scholarships.