This early summer issue highlights upcoming events and mission opportunities for youth and young adults, as well as their leaders, that churches can feature in their publications.
Do you have questions about any of these resources or need more information? Contact Rev. Paul Reissmann, Chair of the Board of Young People’s Ministries, at [email protected] or Lisa Batten, Associate Director of Intercultural Resourcing, Leadership, and Fund Development for the Michigan Conference, at [email protected]. They would be glad to help you.
Events and Experiences
Seed to Harvest Ministry Incubation Cohort
What? We often feel isolated when launching something new, or we may be unsure about the next steps when revamping an existing program or ministry to be more fruitful. The good news is that we don’t have to go it alone! Join this monthly cohort and be part of a peer community that learns and implements ministry incubation tools.
Who? Adults over 18.
When and where? The cohort of peers will meet monthly on the second Tuesday of each month, starting on January 12, 2027, at 6 pm ET. The cohort will meet through May 2027. $75 fee. Learn more and register.
More info? If you’re not sure about joining the cohort and just want to learn more, register for one of the free information sessions on September 15 or October 1, 2026, at noon and 6:00 pm ET. Four offerings, same content. Learn more and register. Contact [email protected] with questions.
Exploration 2026
What? Exploration creates sacred space for young adults to engage in meaningful fellowship, passionate worship, theological reflection, and practical workshops as they discern the ministry path God is calling them to in The United Methodist Church. There are a variety of paths for laity and those feeling called to ordained ministry. Exploration is sponsored by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Who? Young adults, ages 18-26.
When and where? November 6-8, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
More info? Learn more about Exploration 2026 and find details on registration.
Mission and Service Opportunities
These are listed in order of length of service, from short-term to long-term opportunities.
Train 100
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) announces the Train 100 program, which offers incentives for new mission team leaders under 35. The goal is to train 100 young team leaders for short-term mission journeys, helping create a new generation of volunteers passionate about service and mission by the end of 2026. Learn more about the Train 100 program. Contact Tammy Kuntz, VIM Coordinator for the North Central Jurisdiction, at [email protected] for more information.
Discover … Mission Journeys
Discover … Mission is the young adult short-term mission program of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM), a grassroots movement of United Methodists seeking to put their Christian love into action worldwide. The program is for young adults, ages 18-35. Learn more about Discover … Mission journeys worldwide. The Michigan Conference is seeking young adults to join an intergenerational team to Peru in March 2027. Pre-registration required by October 1, 2026. Learn more about this journey.
Scholarships from the Michigan Conference are available for young adults from a Michigan United Methodist congregation going on a Discover … Mission journey for the first time. Learn more about scholarship criteria. UMVIM scholarships are also available, including the Rollins Scholarship, which is specifically for young adults of color. Learn more about scholarships.
EarthKeepers
Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training and incubator program that provides a collaborative space for United Methodists to develop and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, antiracism, community organizing, and project planning. All participants plan a project during the training. Youth, ages 13-18, may participate with an adult parent or guardian. The next training is scheduled for October 1-4, 2026, in Decatur, Georgia (Atlanta area). Learn more about this program and the application process.
International Track for Global Mission Fellows
The Global Mission Fellows program of The United Methodist Church places young adults, ages 20-30, in social justice ministries for two years of service in international settings (the US-2 track has been paused at this time). Fellows address deep-rooted systems of injustice, working in a variety of areas, including food insecurity, migration/immigration, education, and poverty. Learn more about this program and the application process.
Mission Volunteers
Mission Volunteers are individuals or couples, ages 18 and up, who seek long-term partnerships with communities worldwide and fund themselves. Mission Volunteer opportunities range from working with refugees, children, and youth to serving as a teacher, pastor, camp director, or health care professional. The length of service ranges from two months to more than two years. The next training is October 26-29, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. Learn more about this program and the application process.
Summer Camping Options at United Methodist Camps
- Bay Shore Camp & Family Ministries near Bay City
- Grace Outside (Michigan Area United Methodist Camping), with destinations in Pentwater, Dowling, and Burtchville
- Lake Louise Camp & Retreat Center near Boyne City
Scholarships and Grants
Through the Dollars for Scholars program, local United Methodist churches can support students in their congregation by investing $1,000. That money can be multiplied through matching scholarships from United Methodist-affiliated organizations, including the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan, up to $4,000. As churches plan their annual budget, they should consider this investment. Learn more about this program.
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) awards $2+ million yearly to students attending United Methodist-related schools. Learn more about the scholarships available.
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. Learn more about the scholarships available.
The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan annually supports several scholarship programs for college, university, and seminary students, including one for those pursuing pastoral counseling coursework or a degree. Learn more about the various scholarships available.
Cohorts, Events, and Resources for Faith Leaders
Visit this web page for a list of articles, books, and other resources related to youth and young adult ministry, especially outreach to Gen Z. Also, remember to support our United Methodist campus ministries throughout Michigan. Learn more about each campus ministry.
The Michigan Conference has launched a new Young Adult Vocational Exploration Fellowship. Local congregations and nonprofit ministries can receive a $1,000 grant to mentor a young adult who is discerning purpose, vocation, or ministry. Grant funding can be used to provide stipends for young adults, training, retreats, and resources that support young people’s discernment. Learn more about the fellowship program.
Three fellowships will be awarded annually; applications will open on March 15, July 15, and November 15. Apply by August 12 for fall funding.
Grant recipients for summer 2026 are Westwood UMC in Kalamazoo, the NOAH Project at Detroit: Central UMC, Motor City Wesley campus ministry in the Detroit area, and the Latinx Ministry of the Greater Southwest District. Young adults are being provided space to listen to God for direction and to discern their faith and purpose. They are working through their call by exploring practices that help them listen and seek guidance through mentorship, study, and lived experiences. Some are shadowing their pastor, while others are working in direct mission and service.
The Michigan Conference’s new Young Adult Vocational Exploration Fellowship, offered annually, is made possible thanks to generous financial gifts from local United Methodist churches in Michigan through Ministry Shares. Thank you! Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and around the world.
Last Updated on June 23, 2026