Laity Resource and Training Grant

How might the grant be used?
This grant is for resources and leadership training events that are unable to be funded through ministry budgets. Some possibilities include (not an exhaustive list):

• • Michigan Conference ABAR Education and Training Program launched in 2023. The Michigan Conference overwhelmingly passed legislation at the annual conference gathering in 2021 for Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism (ABAR) Education & Training. Its creation was led by the Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Working Group, formed by Bishop David Bard in 2020.
  • Bishop's Challenge ABAR resources for small groups/churches – Bishop Bard, during the 2021 Annual Conference, issued the following challenge: “I invite every Michigan United Methodist congregation to engage in a study in the coming year dealing with intercultural competence, racism, or racial reckoning.” This is a list of resources for that purpose.
  • General Commission on Religion & Race resources – Premium resources from the general agency on topics such as You Are Here: First Steps for White Christians on Race and Racism and Implicit Bias: What We Don’t Think We Think
  • United Methodist Men United Platform Subscription - Rather than focus on a program, The UNITED Platform is a set of tools and resources (a framework) for your men’s ministry. It can help you with a turnkey solution, or you can pick and choose what you need to reach the guys in your church and community. It’s an ever-evolving platform complete with coaching on how to use the platform, establish effective discipleship, and use the additional resources inside.
  • Discipleship Ministries eLearning course – Premium resources from the general agency that will enrich your faith life and ministry. If you need CEU credit, courses have a fee. Topics include Basics of Faith Formation and Disciple Living Generously
  • United Women in Faith Resources - UWF offers many ways for groups to enrich life together, live your faith and put love into action. Explore these resources to find one, or several, that interest your congregation.
  • UMC Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation booklets - The booklets are tools that get new leaders off to a good start and as a reference resource for all. Each booklet includes the basic "job description" for the leader as well as practical "how-to" information important to implementing ministry effectively.
  • Amplify Media Subscription – Amplify Media is a streaming service allowing churches unlimited video access in order to discover, customize, and share diverse resources that encourage deeper discipleship and equip churches to pursue their mission with greater impact.
  • Lay Servant Ministry Courses - Lay Servant Ministries is one of the significant lay leadership development programs available within the United Methodist connection. Through this system of equipping and empowering, lay servants have the opportunity to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ who then go and make other disciples.
  • United Methodist Church of the Resurrection's Leadership Institute – The 2023 Leadership Institute offers inspiration, practical ministry tools and proven strategies to strengthen your church and your own leadership.
  • Small group study materials – Looking for small group ideas? Cokesbury has many studies available. Check out the webpage for ideas.

Grant applications must be received by Oct. 1. Applications will be reviewed following the deadline and must be submitted by a layperson.

Questions may be directed to Annette Erbes, [email protected].