This winter issue summarizes upcoming events, scholarships, and resources for youth and young adults that churches can promote in their publications.
Do you have questions about any of these resources or need further information? Contact Rev. Paul Reissmann, chair of the Board of Young People’s Ministries, at [email protected] or Lisa Batten, Connectional Ministries Team staff member, at [email protected]. They would be glad to help you.
Events and Experiences
Young Adult Discernment Cohort
What? This monthly online small group is for young adults who are seeking to travel toward God’s call in their lives. Are you wondering what’s next in your life? Are you considering making a change? Are you at a crossroads? Participants will meet monthly to learn and practice tools to gain clarity in their decision-making in the midst of a peer community, led by skilled facilitators Cora Glass and Carl Gladstone. Topics include preparing for the journey, form a fellowship, shoot for the moon, there be dragons, and basking in where we’ve arrived.
Who? Young adults, 18 to 30.
When and where? The cohort will meet via Zoom through May 2026. Each session is unique, allowing young adults to join as their schedule allows. The exact day and time each month will be set to accommodate everyone’s schedule.
More info? Review these materials to get a sense of what will be discussed in this small group. To register or ask questions, contact Cora Glass at [email protected].
Alternative Spring Break Trips
What? Our Michigan Conference campus ministries will be offering 2026 spring break service and immersion experiences for young adults during the month of March. One will be offered each of the first three weeks, to accommodate as many people as possible. You don’t have to be a student at that particular school to participate.
Who? Young adults, 18 to 29.
When and where? From February 28 to March 4, 2026, the United Methodist campus ministry at the University of Michigan and Peoples Church of East Lansing will co-lead a service trip to North Carolina to join the ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Helen hit the area last year. From March 6-14, 2026, a group from Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, and Western Michigan University will be going to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in mission together. For the last week of March 19-22, 2026, a group of young adults from Motor City Wesley Ministry and friends will go to Nashville, Tennessee, to record songs in a trip focused on justice advocacy through the arts.
More info? If you’d like to go to North Carolina, complete this registration form. For the other two, contact Lisa Batten, Connectional Ministries Team staff member, at [email protected], and she will connect you with the appropriate campus ministry.
Ignite: Exploring Your Call to Ministry
What? Do you feel God calling you to some area of ministry, but you’re not sure what it might be? This exploration event, sponsored by the North Central Jurisdiction Committee on Ordained Ministry, is for those in the early stages of responding to a call. It might be a call to lay ministry or to licensed/ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church.
Who? Adults, ages 18 and up, who feel called to some form of ministry.
When and where? March 13-15, 2026. Wespath Building in Glenview, Illinois, just north of Chicago.
More info? Learn more about the event on the registration page. If you have questions, contact Jon Priebe at [email protected].
Global Young People’s Convocation
What? GYPC, which happens only once every four years, is your chance to connect, learn, and lead alongside young Methodists from around the world. This event is a celebration of the connectional relationships we form through discipleship in The United Methodist Church. A small group of youth and chaperones from the Michigan Conference is forming, along with a small group of young adults and leaders. Read this article to learn more about this event.
Who? Designed for individuals aged 12-35 and those who lead them in ministry.
When and where? July 7-11, 2026, Dublin, Ireland.
More info? January 15, 2026, is the deadline to contact the Michigan Conference if you are interested in going. If youth, ages 12 to 18, are interested in attending GYPC 2026, have them complete this form, and then have their parents / guardians complete this questionnaire. A trained group of leaders from the Michigan Conference will be chaperones for the youth group. They include Dokoda Holt-Sharp, Rev. April Gutierrez, Andrew Stange, and Rev. Anika-Kafi Summers. Young adults, ages 19 to 35, who wish to learn more about GYPC 2026 should contact Lisa Batten, Connectional Ministries Team staff member, at [email protected]. She will follow up with next steps.
Connected in Spirit: Regional Digital Discipleship and Mentorship Cohort
What? Connected in Spirit is a global initiative of The United Methodist Church that combines in-depth leadership development, faith formation, and digital mentorship. This 12-month virtual program equips youth and young adults with spiritual depth, leadership skills, and relational tools to serve their communities and the church. Participants meet monthly for theological reflection, community building, and skills training guided by trained leaders.
Who? Youth and young adults.
When and where? Online, for 12 months.
More info? Complete this application for this opportunity. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2026.
Mission and Service Opportunities
These are listed in order of length of service, from short-term to long-term opportunities.
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 upcoming Discover … Mission journeys worldwide.
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 application period is January 19 through March 25, 2026. 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. Applications are due January 14, 2026. If accepted, the two-year service begins sometime between July and October 2026. 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 May 4-7, 2026. Learn more about this program and the application process.
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 2026 budget, they should consider this investment. Applications open January 1. Learn more about this program.
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) awards $2+ million yearly to students attending United Methodist-related schools. Applications open January 1. 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. Applications open January 7. Learn more about the scholarships available.
Metropolitan UMC in Detroit offers Centennial Scholarships to help full-time students attend college, university, or graduate school. The scholarship amount varies yearly, but recent recipients received $2,000 each. All students who are active members of a United Methodist church are eligible to apply. Students can reapply each year if they continue a full-time schedule. The application deadline will be sometime in May 2026. Learn more about this scholarship.
The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan annually supports several scholarship programs for college, university, and seminary students. Learn more about the scholarships available.
Cohorts, Events, and Resources for Faith Leaders
Visit this web page for an updated 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 one.
The Global Youth Service Fund (YSF) and Grants for Ministries with Young People (GMYP) programs will begin accepting applications in January and continue through April 15, 2026. Several grants are available to support creative and innovative approaches to ministries for, with, and by young people. Learn more about these funding resources.
Last Updated on December 18, 2025