A Miracle in the Making: United Methodists Pass $2.1 Million Milestone to Fuel the Future of Pastoral Leadership
PRESS RELEASE | September 18, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bishop Patrick Streiff, President
The Endowment for Theological Education – Africa, Europe, the Philippines
www.endowftecc.org
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Across the globe, United Methodists are answering a vital call to support the next generation of spiritual leaders. The Miracle Sunday Initiative (MSI) has officially passed $2,123,420 in gifts and pledges, marking an extraordinary step forward to permanently support theological education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.
What began with a vision in September 2025 and an official kickoff with Miracle Sunday in April 2026 has quickly blossomed into a vibrant movement, inspired by the spirit of joyful, collective generosity found in 1 Chronicles 29. The initiative is driven by a shared dream: to ensure that courageous, compassionate leaders are equipped to shepherd congregations for generations to come.
Already, 50 annual conferences and hundreds of passionate supporters have reported back to us, resulting in 322 distinct contributions from local churches, conferences, and individual donors. Generosity is shining in every corner of the connection—from the South Congo and Zambia Episcopal Area, which leads with over $340,000 raised and pledged, to remarkable 100% church participation in regions like North Macedonia and Denmark.
Other annual conferences around the world will report their contributions in the coming months. Some have intentionally postponed the Miracle Sunday Initiative to this fall in order to have broader participation and involvement in their local churches. Where local churches have used the six-week study, the motivation and support by United Methodists have been extraordinary.
"Assisting a few students with their theological education is significant; but we believe God wants us to do even more—provide support for 500 leaders each year, every year." said Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa, MSI Co-Chair in his open letter to United Methodists. "That takes a miracle, and God is ready to perform it through us as we pray, learn, and give together."
How Local Communities Are Making a Difference
Conferences across the connection are finding creative, meaningful ways to inspire their members:
Dedicated Annual Conference Offerings: The North Carolina Conference rallied together to contribute $214,550 that included a special Miracle Sunday offering during their annual gathering.
Episcopal Challenges: The Illinois Great Rivers Conference raised $212,832 after their bishop challenged local congregations to commit at least $1,000 each toward the future of pastoral leadership in Africa, Europe and the Philippines.
An Open Invitation to Join the Movement
While the $2.1 million milestone is cause for deep gratitude, the journey continues. To reach the ultimate goal of supporting 500 theological students every single year, the initiative warmly invites every remaining conference, pastor, and congregation to take part.
Joining this initiative is designed to be simple and inspiring. Annual Conferences preparing to introduce the initiative have immediate access to complete, field-tested toolkits, including:
Turnkey Worship Resources: A complete six-week worship and small group series, sermon outlines, coordinator manuals, and short video moments for Sunday services.
Storytelling & Video Testimonials: Moving stories showing the real-world impact of funded ministry, such as Pastor Rareș Călugăr’s relief work with Ukrainian refugees in Romania.
“Miracle Sunday shows the true power of a united community—a day when superintendents, pastors, deacon-pastors, and lay members alike gather joyfully to give, serve, and break bread together,” said Bishop Marie-Jeanne Mujinga Kashala. “In honoring our commitments side by side, we give thanks to God, whose grace inspires His children and turns every faithful offering into an abundant blessing.”
Get Involved Today
Conferences and local churches ready to join the appeal can request planning support by visiting: https://www.endowftecc.org/congregation-resources-manual or contacting the Miracle Sunday Initiative team at miraclesunday@endowftecc.org.
