Michigan United Methodists have contributed nearly $21K to the Miracle Sunday Initiative, which has now surpassed $2.1 million to support theological education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.
This Sunday, United Methodists join Christians worldwide in celebrating World Communion Sunday, remembering that we are one in Christ, regardless of background, language, or culture. There’s no better way to celebrate the Body of Christ than by sharing an update on the Miracle Sunday Initiative, a fundraising campaign that supports the next generation of United Methodist spiritual leaders in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.
The Miracle Sunday Initiative has officially reached $2,123,420 in gifts and pledges, marking an extraordinary step toward permanently supporting theological education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. The funds have come from offerings collected by annual conferences and local churches since this spring, with more to follow.
Already, 50 annual conferences and hundreds of passionate supporters have reported back, resulting in 322 distinct contributions from local churches, conferences, and individual donors. Generosity is shining in every corner of the connection — from the South Congo and Zambia Episcopal Area, which leads with over $340,000 raised and pledged, to remarkable 100% church participation in regions like North Macedonia and Denmark.
The generosity of the Michigan Conference has shone brightly throughout this campaign. To date, Michigan United Methodists, through local church offerings and a $3,385.23 offering at the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference, have contributed a total of $20,971.90.
What began with a vision in September 2025 and an official kickoff on Miracle Sunday in April 2026 has quickly blossomed into a vibrant movement, inspired by the joyful, collective generosity described in 1 Chronicles 29. The initiative is driven by a shared dream: to equip courageous, compassionate leaders to shepherd congregations for generations to come.
Bishop David Bard expressed his appreciation for the Michigan Conference’s impact on this campaign so far.
“I am very grateful,” said Bishop Bard, “to those in our conference who participated in Miracle Sunday or otherwise contributed to the Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. I have heard repeatedly from the bishops in these areas of The United Methodist Church about the need for educated and trained clergy leadership. Educational systems and institutions we often take for granted are simply not present in these areas, and as a worldwide denomination, we all benefit when any part of our connection is strengthened.”
Research shows that more than 70% of U.S. clergy hold a theological degree, while fewer than 5% of clergy outside the United States do, creating a stark disparity in pastoral formation. The Miracle Sunday Initiative, which is gathering gifts from United Methodists worldwide, will help close that gap by funding and sustaining theological education for emerging pastors in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. The endowment fund aims to guarantee financial support for 500 leaders in these areas of our connection each year.
As the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part gets the glory, all the parts celebrate with it. You are the body of Christ and parts of each other” (1 Cor. 12:26-27). This initiative truly strengthens and honors the Body of Christ, and leaders in the Michigan Conference and beyond celebrate this milestone.
Bishop Patrick Streiff, chairperson of the board overseeing the endowment fund, and Bishop Bruce Ough, U.S. Regional Director for Miracle Sunday, shared their appreciation for the Michigan Conference’s giving.
“We are deeply grateful to the Michigan Conference for its generous, faithful support of the Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously — Miracle Sunday Initiative,” said the bishops. “The impressive response to the already received offering is a true testament to the heart of your churches, helping prepare pastors and leaders to serve their communities in the Wesleyan tradition for generations to come.”
They also welcomed the news that Bishop Bard has announced that one-half of this year’s Bishop’s Advent Offering will be dedicated to the endowment fund as our shared commitment to the future of theological education for our siblings in Christ around the world.
Bishop Streiff and Ough noted, “As we look ahead, we are especially thankful that a portion of the Bishop’s Offering this Advent will continue to support this vital work. We warmly invite congregations and individuals across Michigan to join this transformative investment in the future of The United Methodist Church.”
Individuals and local churches do not have to wait until Advent to give, although it is a perfect time of year to do so. Giving to this future-focused, hope-filled campaign can happen at any time, and the campaign leaders wish to remind Michigan United Methodists of this.
While the $2.1 million milestone is a cause for deep gratitude, the journey continues. To reach the ultimate goal of supporting 500 theological students each year, the initiative warmly invites every remaining conference, pastor, and congregation to take part.
Joining this initiative is simple and inspiring. The campaign has prepared field-tested toolkits, including turnkey worship resources, to help local churches participate.
On the fund’s website, local church leaders will find a complete six-week worship and small-group series, sermon outlines, coordinator manuals, and short video moments for Sunday services. Find resources now. On this website, churches will also find moving stories that show the real-world impact of funded ministry, such as Pastor Rareș Călugăr’s relief work with Ukrainian refugees in Romania.
Hear stories of impact and celebrate.
While building the endowment is an ongoing process with no firm deadline for giving, the endowment board hopes to account for all responses to the Miracle Offering Initiative by the end of this conference year. Securing the necessary endowment funds requires a long-term approach, but they want to maintain momentum as they conclude this specific initiative.
Plan to give today. Local churches in Michigan are invited to download promotional materials and watch for more information about the Bishop’s Advent Offering coming soon. Individual and local churches can also give directly to the fund using this link.
Give now to the Miracle Sunday Initiative.
Questions about the campaign promotion and resources? Email the Miracle Sunday Initiative team at [email protected].
Last Updated on September 29, 2026