Clergy Leadership Ministries

Two-year, Lilly Endowment-funded experience open to 12 UMC clergy

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (June 2, 2026) — Applications are now open for the fourth and final cohort of the Compelling Preaching Initiative.

Try it before you schedule your congregation!

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (February 17, 2026)—Faith communities walk with people through some of life’s most meaningful—and most vulnerable—moments: births, baptisms, illnesses, deaths, and funerals. Questions about legacy, family, faith, and stewardship surface naturally in those spaces, too… yet many clergy feel under-resourced to address them fully.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (January 20, 2026) — Any student attending a United Methodist seminary and seeking ordination as an Elder or Deacon within the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church is eligible to apply for the MFA Seminary Scholarship, which provides $22,000 per year for a three-year period. The application window for Fall 2026 is now open.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (January 13, 2026)—Exactly what does the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas do? Can you or your church benefit from its services?

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (December 11, 2025)—The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas (MFA) is announcing its confirmed programming for 2026, which includes events hosted by MFA as well as events for which the Foundation will cover participant registration fees.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (October 16, 2025)—The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas (MFA) on Thursday, November 6 will present “10 Reasons to Think About Endowments,” the final installment in its 2025 Quarterly Learning Zoom series. MFA’s President and CEO the Rev. J. Wayne Clark will lead the session, which runs from 10 to 11 a.m. CST. Participation is free with pre-registration.