This issue summarizes upcoming events, scholarships, and resources for youth and young adults that churches can promote in their publications. Two items of note: a workshop on finding and applying for scholarships set for February 24 and a new $1,000 fellowship program for young adult discernment to launch in March.
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 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 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 for clarity in decision-making within a peer community, led by skilled facilitators Cora Glass and Carl Gladstone. Topics include preparing for the journey, forming a fellowship, shooting 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 schedules allow. 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 is 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 offer spring break service and immersion experiences for young adults, ages 18 to 29, 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 campus ministry at the University of Michigan and Peoples Church of East Lansing will co-lead a service trip to North Carolina to support ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Helen hit the area in 2024. Register now. From March 6-14, 2026, a group from Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, and Western Michigan University will travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to serve together in mission. From March 19-22, 2026, a group of young adults from Motor City Wesley Ministry and friends will go to Nashville, Tennessee, to record songs as part of 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 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 ministry of some kind.
When and where? March 13-15, 2026. Wespath Building in Glenview, Illinois, just outside Chicago.
More info? Learn more about the event on the registration page. The application deadline is February 15, 2026. If you have questions, contact Jon Priebe at [email protected].
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 application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Ethnic Young Adult Internship
What? Are you a young justice seeker eager to explore your faith and identity and deepen your understanding of justice? The Ethnic Young Adult (EYA) program, sponsored by the General Board of Church and Society, offers a transformative opportunity to engage in meaningful work and advocacy while building connections with fellow United Methodists around the world.
Who? Young adults, ages 18-22, who self-identify as a person of color. Member of The United Methodist Church. Academic level of a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in post-high-school studies or employed full-time. Show active leadership and participation in the local church / community and involvement in social justice activities.
When and where? May 31 to July 25, 2026. Interns in this cohort will be provided with dorm-style housing in Washington, D.C., within an intentional community of diverse members from the worldwide United Methodist connection.
More info? The application deadline is March 20, 2026. Apply now. EYA interns receive a stipend of $1,700 during the program. Learn more about this internship and others through Church and Society.
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 online training is scheduled for May 1-16, 2026. Applications are due by 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. 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
The Michigan Conference is sponsoring a free Finding & Applying for Scholarships workshop on February 24, 2026, from 3 to 4:30 pm ET. Justin Black, the facilitator, will guide individuals in locating and applying for academic scholarships to achieve successful outcomes. Justin and his spouse, Alexis, funded their entire undergraduate degrees through scholarships and have built a platform to share their experience and knowledge with others. The workshop will be followed by a co-working space where participants can stay on Zoom to work on individual scholarship applications, get support with any questions, or use the time as needed. Contact Lisa Batten, Connectional Ministries Staff member, at [email protected] for the Zoom link.
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 budget, they should consider this investment. Unless otherwise noted, the deadline for scholarship applications is March 1, 2026. Learn more about this program.
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) awards $2+ million yearly to students attending United Methodist-related schools. Unless otherwise noted, the deadline for scholarship applications is March 1, 2026. 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. The application deadline is March 6, 2026, for scholarships at U.S. institutions. 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 is May 8, 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 various 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 campus ministry.
The Michigan Conference is launching a new Young Adult Vocational Exploration Fellowship in March 2026. Local congregations can receive a $1,000 grant to mentor a young adult discerning their purpose, vocation, or ministry. Fellowships will be awarded annually; applications will go live on March 15 (for summer), July 15 (for fall), and November 15 (for winter/spring). Local churches that apply must include a 6-8 week plan for vocational discernment, including mentoring with a qualified member of the church or staff, weekly mentor / mentee meetings, and opportunities for the young adult to engage in various ministries of the church and community. The grant will help the local church provide a stipend for young adult mentees, in addition to books and other resources. More details are forthcoming. Contact Lisa Batten, Connectional Ministries Staff member, at [email protected], with questions.
The Global Youth Service Fund (YSF) and Grants for Ministries with Young People (GMYP) programs will accept applications 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.
The Forum for Theological Exploration is looking for applicants for its Discernment Labs. This 18-month program, which starts in September, is for faith leaders interested in learning, experimenting, and innovating together through peer learning to strengthen how they journey with and support young adults in discernment. Using a grant of up to $15,000, participants will develop a project to experiment with the disciplines in their unique contexts. The application deadline is April 15, 2026. Learn more about this program.
The Michigan Conference’s new Young Adult Vocational Exploration Fellowship 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 February 12, 2026