Inspire

Foundation Summer Hours:  Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM and Friday 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

The Foundation Forum is back!

Henri Nouwen once said, “From the perspective of the gospel, fundraising is not a response to crisis. Fundraising is first and foremost, a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission.”


Does your annual finance campaign share and invite people to engage with your church’s vision?  Would you like it to do so?


Whether your faith community has 4 or 400, join Rev. Dr. David Abbott, Director of Stewardship to discuss and explore tools and resources that can help make Nouwen’s words a reality in your next annual finance campaign.

We will cover the following:

  • WHY are you doing the campaign – theological grounding
  • WHAT is the context in which it will be happening – what do you know about your church and community?
  • HOW will it work – all the technical stuff including letters, sermons, publicity, etc.
  • WHO will be involved – who will be part of this celebration and which of their gifts are they being asked to share?
  • WHEN will it be? It does matter! Fall is traditional, what is contextual?



Join us!


Click here to join the zoom on August 27, 2025 at 12:30pm.


Click here to join the zoom on August 28, 2025 at 7:00pm.


This program is offered twice, you only need to attend one session.


Stewardship Preaching Institute Returns!



The Stewardship Preaching Institute (SPI) returns on Wednesday, October 8 at 12:30pm featuring Rev. Dr. Kent Millard, President of United Theological Seminary, author, and a leader in church stewardship and leadership.
 
During this free, one-hour online session, Dr. Millard will share his proven guideposts for preaching on stewardship, deliver a model sermon (with a flavor of Advent), and engage in conversation with participants. A recorded session will be available for viewing on Thursday, October 9 at 7:00pm.
 
The Stewardship Preaching Institute exists to empower clergy and lay leaders to preach effectively and faithfully about stewardship, not simply as a matter of funding the church’s budget, but as a spiritual invitation to follow Christ more closely through how we share our time, treasure, talents, temperament, trust, and testimony.
 
To register for the Wednesday Oct. 8 Stewardship Preaching Institute webinar, CLICK HERE.
To register for the recorded webinar with live conversation on Thurs. Oct. 9, CLICK HERE.



To watch past SPI webinars, CLICK HERE.


For questions, contact David Abbott at dabbott@umfne.org.

More About Rev. Dr. Kent Millard

Rev. Dr. Kent Millard has served as President of United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio since 2016. Prior to this role, he spent 18 years as Senior Pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, a congregation with more than 6,500 members.


Dr. Millard’s lifelong ministry has blended prophetic action, theological depth, and visionary leadership. In March 1965, he marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Alabama for voting rights. Over the years, he has emerged as a leading voice on stewardship, spiritual vitality, and congregational growth.


He holds degrees from Dakota Wesleyan University (B.A.), Boston University School of Theology (M.Div.), and McCormick Theological Seminary (D.Min.). He is the author of several books including The Gratitude Path (used in the Foundation’s Generous Church Leadership program), Lead Like Butler, and The Passion Driven Congregation.


Dr. Millard is a retired elder in the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church and was honored as Evangelist of the Year by the Foundation on Evangelism. He has also served as a delegate to both General and Jurisdictional Conferences of The United Methodist Church.


He and his wife, Cheri, are the proud parents of four children, grandparents to nine, and great-grandparents to one.

Introducing a new program:


Putting Your House in Order!


Take the stress out of estate planning with this step-by-step program designed to bring peace of mind. Whether you're organizing important documents, assigning guardianship, planning for pet care, or ensuring your legacy, this guide simplifies the process. It’s never too early—or too late—to get started!


Reach out to Pam DiMartino or David Abbott with any questions!


This process can be tailored to your church or organization, fill out the following form to start the process!


Yes! Come to our church!

Looking for inspiration, tools, or guidance on a specific topic?


 View Our Video Library Here


Check out our video library of resources. If you can't find what you're looking for, reach out, we're happy to help. (Or you may just inspire our next Foundation Forum!)


Your Ministry Partner.

For more than twenty-five years, the United Methodist Foundation of New England  has served churches, agencies, clergy, and individuals within the New England Conference.

We strengthen the financial capacity of churches and agencies through stewardship services, planned giving resources, socially responsible investment management, loans, capital campaigns and grants.

We equip clergy to be more effective in serving Christ and the church through personal and life planning workshops, consultations, pastoral resources, and leadership development.

We encourage individuals to live and give as faithful trustees of God's generosity through stewardship services and gift planning.