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Beyond Preservation: The Call to Sustainability in Ministry

Rev. Dr. David S. Bell, President & Executive Director

When many people hear the word sustainability, they often think about environmental practices, energy efficiency, or corporate responsibility initiatives. These concepts are important conversations, but sustainability is ultimately about something much broader: ensuring that the resources entrusted to us today continue to serve the missions of tomorrow.

For churches and nonprofit organizations, sustainability is not simply about preserving buildings, balancing budgets, or protecting investments. It is about faithful stewardship.



A recent Harvard Business Review article explored why many sustainability initiatives fail to gain traction. The research concluded that leaders sometimes struggle to connect those initiatives to the priorities that guide organizational decision-making. The article emphasized the importance of demonstrating how sustainability efforts create measurable value, manage risk, and strengthen long-term organizational health

Moving Beyond Short-Term Thinking

The same principle applies to ministry. When we discuss stewardship in the Church, we are not merely talking about reducing expenses or increasing revenue. We are talking about aligning our resources with our calling. Faith communities are called to think beyond the immediate moment. Jesus reminded us that faithful stewardship involves recognizing what has been entrusted to us and using those gifts wisely for the benefit of others. The decisions that we make today shape the opportunities available to future generations.

Mustard Seed Grant

The UMCOR Mustard Seed Migration Grant program encourages churches to support migrants and refugees.

The Foundation serves as the local agent for the Michigan Conference, receiving and evaluating applications for grants.

Each grant amounts to $2,000, aimed at community service projects focused on migrants and refugees.



Education Debt -Refinancing



We provide a faith-driven program to help ordained clergy manage educational debt.

Eligible elders and deacons can confidentially refinance up to $50,000 in student loans at a fixed interest rate of 1.5 percent.

The Foundation is dedicated to supporting clergy's financial journeys with compassion and community values.

August is a Great Month to Plan

for a IRA Rollover

^{August is a great month to plan for an IRA gift to charity in 2026. Owners of traditional IRAs who are over 70½ may be considering a charitable gift before the end of this year.}

^{The IRS refers to an IRA charitable rollover gift as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). If you are age 73 or older, a QCD may fulfill part or all of your required minimum distribution (RMD) for this year.}

^{It may take your IRA custodian some time to process a QCD, and it must be completed by December 31. During 2026, an IRA owner may give up to $111,000 directly from the IRA custodian to a qualified nonprofit. Another QCD option is a one-time gift of up to $55,000 for a charitable gift annuity (CGA), charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) or charitable remainder annuity trust (CRAT)}.