CMU Board Endorses Missouri UMC Programming Focus on ‘next generation’ ministries

Fayette, Mo. – At its quarterly meeting this past week (Oct. 17-18), the governing Board of Trustees of Central Methodist University expressed its unanimous support for new youth ministry initiatives fostered by the Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

While the new initiatives have several components, much attention has been focused on a proposal to close four Conference-owned church camps in Missouri. Relocating a portion of those camping activities to CMU is one of the options under consideration.

CMU Board members endorsed a proposal stating:

“The Central Methodist University Board of Trustees affirms the areas of mission, ministry, and outreach it shares with the Missouri Annual Conference, especially in addressing the spiritual development and religious commitment of youth and young adults. As the Missouri Annual Conference seeks to develop new and innovative programs for next generation ministries, Central Methodist University looks forward to working with the Missouri Annual Conference in constructive collaboration.”

CMU is hardly new to the summer camp business; various camps for youth and others have been taking place for years. University officials are in discussion with Missouri Annual Conference officials to coordinate plans for camps starting in the summer of 2015.