This fall 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.
2026-2027 Plan for Young People’s Ministry
The Michigan Conference Board of Young People’s Ministries has released its ministry plan for the 2026-2027 academic year. This graphic shows the ways youth and young adults stay connected with each other and the church as they grow and develop in faith and life.
Events and Experiences
Young Adult Discernment Cohort
What? This monthly online cohort is for those asking, “What’s next?” and “What gives my life meaning?” Through community support and reflective spiritual practices, this monthly cohort walks alongside young adults as they discern their next steps. Co-facilitators Rev. Cora Glass and Aiden Diaz will provide resources during the monthly gathering and offer optional coaching and conversations between gatherings.
Who? Post-high school young adults, ages 18-33.
When and where? The cohort will meet monthly via Zoom. Leaders are seeking to accommodate everyone’s schedule, so complete the interest form if you would like to learn more.
More info? Fill out this interest form to join this cohort, or email Cora with any questions at [email protected].
Seed to Harvest Ministry Incubation Cohort
What? We often feel isolated when launching something new, or unsure of 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 January 12, 2027, at 6 pm ET. The cohort will continue meeting 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, contact [email protected] with questions.
The Do-Nothing Retreat
What? College life runs on hustle — grades, jobs, group chats, the pressure to always be “on.” Sponsored by Michigan United Methodist Campus Ministries, this retreat is for students and young adult professionals seeking rest, renewal, and connection with others. It is a time to simply rest in God’s presence and “come as you are,” whether that is tired, burned out, or just curious. This will be a weekend of community, worship, and space to breathe.
Who? Post-high school young adults, ages 18-25.
When and where? October 24-25, 2026. Lake Louise Camp in Boyne Falls is the host.
More info? The retreat is offered on a sliding scale of $0-$50, based on each participant’s financial situation. Register for this retreat. Group transportation options are available. For questions, call or text Rev. Carl Gladstone at 586-295-3055.
Ministry Exploration and Mentoring Projects for Young Adults
What? Sponsored by the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE), this one-year grant is for young adults who have attended an FTE Young Adult event or FTE Course for Young Adults and are exploring Christian ministry as a vocation. Recipients will receive a $1,000 grant to develop a Ministry Exploration and Mentoring Project.
Who? Young adults, ages 18-30.
More info? The application deadline is November 2, 2026. Learn more this program.
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 and beyond. 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 and up.
When and where? November 6-8, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
More info? Learn more about Exploration 2026 and find details on registration. Scholarships are available.
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.
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 March 11-14, 2027, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more about this program and the application process.
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. The program has two tracks based on where fellows serve: U.S. and International. Fellows address deep-rooted systems of injustice, working in a variety of areas, including food insecurity, migration/immigration, education, and poverty. The deadline for applications for the U.S. track is January 5, 2027. The deadline for the International track is January 13, 2027. 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.
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.
Young Adult Vocational Exploration Fellowship
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 are due April 15 for summer fellowships, August 1 for fall fellowships, and December 1 for winter/spring fellowships. Apply by December 1 for winter/spring funding.
Ministry Exploration and Mentoring Project for Mentors
Through a one-year grant program, the Forum for Theological Exploration supports church and faith leaders who want to mentor, accompany, or support young adults’ vocational exploration. Leaders are given the opportunity to mentor young adults and expand their view of what they might do through the church while creating a meaningful mentoring relationship. The application deadline is November 2, 2026. Learn more about this program.
YOUTH 2027
The Board of Young People’s Ministries has begun discussing how to support youth and leaders to attend YOUTH 2027, which will be held July 11-14, 2027, in Dallas, Texas, a national gathering for United Methodist youth and their leaders. Learn more about YOUTH 2024, and watch for updates on resources for attending.
The Michigan Conference’s 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 October 20, 2026