Worship & Small Group Resources Released for Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously
PRESS RELEASE | March 3, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bishop Patrick Streiff
The Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines
Subject: Worship and Small Group Resources Released for Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously – Miracle Sunday Initiative written by leaders from Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.
United Methodists Worldwide Invited Into a Six‑Week Worship and Small Group Journey Leading to Miracle Sunday
The Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines, initiated by the Council of Bishops, announces the release of comprehensive worship and small group resources supporting the Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously – Miracle Sunday Initiative.
Approved by the Council of Bishops, the Connectional Table, and the General Council on Finance and Administration, this global emphasis invites 30,000 United Methodist congregations into a shared six‑week spiritual journey from April 12 through May 17, 2026, culminating in a worldwide Miracle Sunday.
This emphasis equips congregations through a coordinated worship and small group series written by leaders in The United Methodist Church from Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. The series will extend the denomination’s vision and participate in a special offering supporting theological education for 500 pastoral students annually across Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.
A Global Invitation: Worship and Small Group Resources – NOW AVAILABLE
Beginning immediately after Easter 2026, congregations across the worldwide connection are invited to engage a unified rhythm of prayer, Scripture, reflection, and practice.
This six‑week experience is designed to:
Deepen discipleship
Strengthen leadership at every level
Prepare congregations for a meaningful Miracle Sunday
Support the formation of courageous clergy for generations to come
Thoughtfully produced video resources bring to life vivid stories of faith from across Africa, Europe, and the Philippines and highlight the transformative impact of theological education on local congregations and their communities. The listing of videos can be found in the congregational manual. The manual and the six-week worship and small group resources are available at:
https://www.endowftecc.org/congregation-resources-manual
Why April 12–May 17, 2026?
There is spiritual power in unity.
When United Methodists around the world pray the same prayers and reflect on the same Scriptures, a holy momentum emerges—strengthening our global mission and bearing witness to the hope we share in Jesus Christ.
Six‑Week Vision Series: Scriptures and Themes
April 12 – Disciples Formed by Jesus Christ
Psalm 119:1–8; Ephesians 4:11–16; Luke 5:1–11
(Optional: Psalm 16; John 10:10; Colossians 2:6–10)
April 19 – Disciples Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Psalm 16; Colossians 2:6–10; John 10:10
April 26 – Love Boldly
Leviticus 19:9–18; John 13:34–35; Mark 12:28–34
May 3 – Serve Joyfully
Psalm 100; 1 Peter 4:8–11; Mark 10:42–45 (optional)
May 10 – Lead Courageously
Joshua 1:5–9; Psalm 27:1–3, 14; Ephesians 6:10–18; Isaiah 58:6–10
May 17 – Disciples Transform the World (Miracle Sunday)
Psalm 96
A Message from the Co‑Chairs
Co‑Chairpersons Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa and Barbara Boigegrain offered this message to the global church:
“From April 12 to May 17, 2026, millions of United Methodists will join in a six‑week journey of prayer, learning, and generosity. On Miracle Sunday, May 17, we will unite in a worldwide offering to help raise up a new generation of outstanding clergy leaders outside the United States.”
“Our shared goal is bold: to endow 500 scholarships in perpetuity. Achieving this will require faith and a miracle. Yet we trust the Holy Spirit to multiply our gifts beyond what we can imagine.”
Strengthening Theological Education for Generations
The Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines—established by the Council of Bishops in 2014—addresses the deep disparity in theological training across the global church. While 71% of U.S. clergy hold a master’s degree in theology, fewer than 5% do so outside the U.S.
Strengthening theological schools in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines through endowed scholarships and other means ensures sustainable, reliable, and impactful support for long‑term leadership development.
A Call to the Church
Congregations are encouraged to:
Engage fully in the worship and small group series
Pray fervently for God’s miracle
Participate generously on Miracle Sunday
Support the formation of clergy who will love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously
“Together, the people called United Methodist can create a holy momentum—one that shapes lives, strengthens communities, and prepares leaders for generations,” said Bishop Ande Emmanuel of Nigeria.
In Christ,
The Regional Directors
Europe: Bishop Patrick Streiff
Eastern Africa: Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera
Mid Africa: Bishop Marie-Jeanne Mujinga Kashala
Southern Africa: Bishop Gift Machinga
West Africa: Bishop Ande Emmanuel
Philippines: Bishop Israel Painit
United States: Bishop Bruce Ough