Thirty-one NC Conference leaders gathered on March 2 and committed $50,260 as lead gifts to the Miracle Sunday Campaign. Miracle Sunday, May 17, is the United Methodist initiative to fund The Endowment for Theological Education across the regional conferences of Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. The campaign established by the Council of Bishops in 2025 renews and re-prioritizes the endowment initially begun in 2014 by the denomination.

The endowment seeks to address the disparity that exists in clergy training inside and outside of the USA. Only 5% of clergy outside the USA have theological training, whereas in the United States, 71% have theological education. Increased funding of the endowment will provide 500 scholarships annually to seminary students and pastors into the distant future.

Appointed Miracle Sunday District Coordinators will provide information and congregational resources for worship, small groups, videos, testimonials, and more. Already, local church pastors and laity are being briefed by district coordinators.

The campaign in each local church will be launched officially on April 12, the Sunday after Easter, and will run for six weeks up to Miracle Sunday, May 17, when offerings and commitments will be received. It is hoped that this campaign will unite all 30,000 United Methodist churches across the globe to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously in support of the future training and formation of United Methodist clergy in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. 

The Annual Conference leaders, with their enthusiasm and lead gifts on March 2, set the stage, even the pace, for a generous Miracle Sunday campaign across the NC Conference!

More information on Miracle Sunday→

Article written by Rev. Bill Gattis.