FLUMC - Native American Ministries

2023 GRANT APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE - SEE BELOW!

The Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) is a resource and advocate for Native American ministries within the Florida Conference. We support local churches to connect and equip congregations in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

We promote our Native American Culture and ministry by speaking at local churches and other United Methodist events. In addition, we provide a leadership resources to local churches and ministries to help further the mission and vision of the Florida Conference.

The fruit born from CONAM has resulted from evangelizing in a way that is respectful of the traditions and cultures of Native Americans. We are an advocate for Native American issues and are networked with other Native American ministries to be a resource for information. CONAM will help United Methodist Native Americans in the process of taking the opportunities to become United Methodist ministers or lay ministers. We endeavor to to advocate for Native American ministries for and by native Americans to share the diverse culture, history and traditions of native people.

The Committee on Native American Ministries of the Florida Conference was excited to resume live Annual Gatherings, with the first one in three years. Click here to read all about it.

GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS NOW OPEN THROUGH 12/31/2023

Native Americans play an important role in the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. That role is has expanded with scholarships and grants to provide the training for greater leadership Opportunities. See below for the grant information and to apply:

VISION

CONAM promotes leadership in churches by Native Americans. We believe education is a cornerstone of professional growth and development and therefore offer grants to Native Americans pursuing leadership roles in Christian Churches.

OBJECTIVE

Beginning in 2021, the CONAM Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church (FLC-UMC) has awarded grants to Native American students pursuing a degree at an accredited or certified seminary, college or university that prepares applicants to assume positions of leadership within Christian churches.

GOAL

CONAM FLUMC will fund up to three academic grants annually at $1,000 each. We have currently been awarding only $500 per grant, due to the uncertainty within The United Methodist Church.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be...

A citizen or permanent resident of the United States and born of an indigenous parent from North, Central or South America
Pursuing a degree at an accredited or certified seminary, college or university that prepares students for a position of leadership within a Christian church or organization
Actively involved in a Native American or indigenous, culturally-relevant activity or organization for at least six (6) months prior to applying for a grant
Currently involved in academic pursuits that enhance Native American or indigenous culture or lifestyles (e.g. health, religion, politics, etc.)
Enrolled part-time or full-time as a college sophomore or higher and have a GPA of 2.7 or higher

Funding for CONAM scholastic grants are made possible through donations from United Methodist Churches in the Florida Conference. Therefore, preference will be given to members of United Methodist churches, applicants attending colleges, schools, seminaries or universities affiliated with the General Board of Higher Education Ministry of The United Methodist Church, and applicants enrolled in colleges, seminaries, schools or universities accredited by The Association of Theological School in the United States and Canada (ATS) or The North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAAMSCU).

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit a maximum seven hundred and fifty (750) word essay addressing one of the following topics:

What impacts have Native Americans had on the roles and status of religion throughout The United Methodist Church or Christian Churches?
Discuss the impacts of Federal or State Regulations on Native American roles and functions from Christian contexts.

Use current APA formatting. Do NOT include a title page.

Applications and an official transcript are the be received by December 31.

Notice of grant awards will be determined by the second week in March, 2024.

Grant funds will be awarded to recipients at our Annual Gathering, which will take place March 8-9, 2024, this coming year, at the Wesley Centre in Plant City.