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Rev. Joel Fitzgerald to Join the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan
as Senior Director of Church Relations
The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan is pleased to announce that Rev. Joel Fitzgerald will join the Foundation staff on July 1, 2025, as the Senior Director of Church Relations. Rev. Fitzgerald will work throughout the Michigan Conference to provide valuable stewardship services and to foster a culture of generosity by helping local churches align their financial practices with their mission and vision.
As the Senior Director of Church Relations, Rev. Fitzgerald will also work closely with other Foundation staff to ensure that the Foundation continues to offer a strategic approach to supporting Michigan's United Methodist congregations. His appointment further strengthens the Foundation's deep commitment to the United Methodist Church’s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
“I am humbled and overjoyed to join the staff of the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan,” said Rev. Joel Fitzgerald. “In my time serving as a local church pastor, I have seen how the Foundation's mission impacts church generosity, leadership, and missional thinking. I look forward to being a part of the amazing Foundation team as we continue to walk beside United Methodist congregations and ministries.”
Rev. Fitzgerald brings considerable experience as a pastor and a passionate advocate for high capacity pastoral leadership. He currently serves as the Treasurer of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, is a member of the Wespath Benefits and Investments’ Board of Directors, has been a General and Jurisdictional delegate or alternate, and recently completed the MBA program at Dakota Wesleyan University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joel to our team,” said Rev. Dr. David S. Bell, President & Executive Director of the Foundation. “We have been particularly focused on inviting someone onto our staff who has a broad commitment to The United Methodist Church, a deep commitment to the ministry of the Michigan Conference, and the respect of colleagues across the connection. Joel meets these objectives and will be an excellent long-term addition to our team.”
The Foundation plays a pivotal role in supporting United Methodist churches and ministries across Michigan by providing a range of services designed to strengthen financial stewardship, enhance leadership development, and support long-term sustainability. With Rev. Fitzgerald’s experience, collegial relationships, and understanding of the local church, he will be instrumental in advancing the Foundation's mission.
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