Do lay members at your church or United Methodist-affiliated ministry partner lack funding for resources and leadership training? If so, apply for a Michigan Conference Board of Laity grant of up to $500 by October 1.
DENNY WISSINGER
Co-Lay Leader, Michigan Conference
The Michigan Conference Board of Laity is offering training and resource grants to laity this fall. The board invites lay members of United Methodist churches and affiliated ministry partners to apply by October 1, 2026.
This grant is for resources and leadership training events for lay members that local churches or United Methodist-affiliated ministry partners, such as campus ministries, cannot fund. Examples of areas that might apply include opportunities to improve leadership and communications skills, as well as resources for faith formation, anti-racism training, and empowering the laity in ministry.
Some specific possibilities include:
Michigan Conference ABAR Education & Training Program
ABAR resources for small groups/churches
General Commission on Religion & Race resources
Discipleship Ministries eLearning course
United Women in Faith resources
UMC Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation booklets
Amplify Media subscription
Lay Servant Ministries courses
United Methodist Church of the Resurrection’s Leadership Institute
Small group study materials
What ideas do you have for continued education or resources for laity in your local church or ministry setting? If you lack the funds and a grant would bring an opportunity within reach, the Michigan Conference Board of Laity is offering resource and training grants of up to $500. The Board of Laity aims to help cultivate, support, and expand your skills, providing you with valuable resources!
Grant applications are due by October 1, 2026, and must be submitted by a lay member. Work under the grants must be completed by March 1, 2027, and reports of completed actions must be submitted to the Board of Laity Grants Task Force by March 31, 2027.
Again, here is the link to the application. Thank you for sharing this opportunity with your groups and contacts.
If you have questions, please email me at [email protected].
Last Updated on August 31, 2026