50 Years, $100 Million in Assets: Foundation Celebrates Half a Century of Supporting Ministry
News
By Fred KoenigDavid Atkins, executive director of the Missouri United Methodist Foundation reported on the work that continues to grow the United Methodist church in Missouri on many levels. In 2017 the Foundation celebrated 50 years and over $100 million in assets.
“Your Foundation is funding summer ministry internships, early career fellowships for pastors, and a variety of annual continuing education opportunities for pastors and lay leaders,” said Atkins.
The Foundation is not the source of the funds that make all this possible, and Atkins cited the scores of generous donors and volunteer board members who have made the creation and all the work of the Foundation. In the last 10 years, over $56 million has been received in gifts and deposits, and over $51 million has been distributed out in support of ministry. In the last 15 years over $3 million has been awarded through the Foundation Ministry Grant Program.
“Among the new things that have sprung to life is the Clergy and Church Financial Ministry or C2FM,” said Atkins. This program is supported by a $1 million grant from a Lily Foundation endowment. It provides new resources in managing congregations to clergy and congregations.
Atkins presented that the articles of incorporation need an update to clarify the purpose of the Foundation and an amendment was presented for a vote by the Annual Conference. This was presented by Atkins as a motion and seconded. With no questions or discussion, the amendment passed.