Special Sundays are set aside each year to deepen the connection between the local church and ministries on a global scale. Individuals and congregations are encouraged to support the churches’ collective efforts through an offering. We invite you to help continue to support the vital work of the Special Sundays.
United Methodist Churches traditionally observe Native American Ministries Sunday on the third of Easter. However, congregations are encouraged to celebrate on a date that best suits their schedule. Resources to help you celebrate and promote this Special Sunday are available here.
The official dates for celebrating Native American Ministries Sunday during the current quadrennial season are:
May 4, 2025 April 19, 2026 April 11, 2027 April 30, 2028
HOW TO SUPPORT
- Giving through your local church
- Donating on line at donate.gcfa.org/nams
- Sending a check in the mail to:
General Commission on Finance and Administration
P.O. Box 340029, Nashville, TN 37203
(Please include Human Relations Day in the note section of your check.)
What is Native American Ministries Sunday?
United Methodists are called to recognize and honor the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society and church. The United Methodist Church acknowledges a gap in understanding Native American life and culture, while affirming the sacredness of Indigenous peoples, their languages, their unique identities and their contributions to the church and the world.
Contributions help develop and strengthen Native American ministries within each United Methodist annual conference and provide scholarships for Native Americans pursuing ordained or licensed ministry.
Last year, almost $240,000 was raised to support these vital ministries through the Native American Ministries offering:
- Fifty percent of the funds
collected on Native American
Ministries Sunday stay within
the annual conference to
support Native American
ministries. Each conference
has a Committee on Native
American Ministries (CONAM)
to develop these programs,
advocate for ministry with
Native Americans, and promote
Native culture, history and
traditions. CONAM also oversees
the distribution of offerings,
coordinates the promotion of
Native American Ministries
Sunday, and monitors Native
ministries in the Annual Conference.
Learn more about CONAM here. - Twenty-five percent of donations
fund scholarships for Native
Americans pursuing ordained or
licensed ministry at any approved
theological school. These scholarships
address the significant shortage
of Native American pastors and
trained professionals, supporting
higher education recruitment,
retention and development efforts.
Learn more about the Native
American Ministries scholarship here. - Twenty-five percent of donations collected are allocated
to develop impactful programs. These funds enable the
UMC to collaborate with established Native ministries
to create new initiatives for Native American communities.
Some of these efforts include mentoring programs,
peer support systems, funding for economic
development projects, and the revitalization of traditional
practices that cultivate new leaders. Learn more
about the grant application here.
One of the beautiful things about The United Methodist Church is that, together, we can accomplish far more than we could on our own. Together, we celebrate the voice and ministry of Native Americans worldwide.
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?
- Read stories about the impact you are making with your gifts
- Use the resources designed specifically to celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday
- Explore and share the Did You Know resources to learn more about this Special Sunday
