Recent Grants
2026 Equipping the Local Church Grants
The Foundation for Evangelism recognizes that Christian disciple-making happens in the local church. With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the local church invites members of their community to enter a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ, grow in grace, and live out their faith by loving and serving God and neighbor.
The Foundation for Evangelism’s Equipping the Local Church Grants support the synergy of pastoral and lay leaders working together in small local churches, with 250 or fewer participants, toward a culture shift for invitational evangelism, missional ministry and discipleship engagement. The grants allow these churches to launch an experiment or initiative to share the Gospel and invite others into a relationship with Jesus, providing an opportunity to be creative and take risks.
Altruistic Servanthood Corporation (multiple churches)
Smyrna, Ga.
The Altruistic Servanthood Corporation initiative connects four rural congregations within the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to collaborate in digital ministry, community outreach, and discipleship formation. Drawing on a modern adaptation of the historic circuit-rider model, the project uses technology to share worship resources, host virtual small groups, provide pastoral care, and strengthen partnerships that address food insecurity and community needs. By combining digital innovation with traditional relational ministry, the initiative seeks to expand evangelistic impact and strengthen resilience in underserved rural communities.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
Woodbridge, Va.
This initiative equips youth and young adults to share the Gospel through technology by providing training in worship technology, digital communication, social media engagement, and ethical online behavior. Through hands-on workshops and mentorship from technology professionals and ministry leaders, participants will develop creative and leadership skills that prepare them to serve as digital ambassadors for Christ. Anchored in collaboration with the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s Second Episcopal District, the program seeks to expand evangelistic outreach and strengthen professional digital communication across congregations while engaging youth ages 13–22 within and beyond the local community.
Checkpoint Church
Lincolnton, N.C.
Checkpoint Church seeks to expand its digital discipleship ecosystem through two interconnected programs: CheckBox, a quarterly online formation experience, and DLC (Deep Life Conversations), a monthly interactive gathering for teaching, worship, and discussion. Together, these initiatives provide accessible pathways for spiritual growth, leadership development, and evangelistic engagement within a digital congregation. By equipping participants to practice faith in everyday and online spaces, the program encourages members to move from passive participation to active ministry within their relational networks.
Covenant Church at Creekside
The Woodlands, Texas
Bridges to Christ is a hybrid digital and relational evangelism initiative designed to reach Hispanic adults who are spiritually curious but disconnected from church participation. Through Spanish-language online discipleship courses combined with personal mentorship from trained bilingual lay coaches, participants will engage in faith exploration, prayer, and spiritual formation. As relationships deepen, individuals will be invited into small groups, worship, and discipleship communities, creating a pathway from digital engagement to embodied participation in the life of the church.
Deep Time (Trinity UMC)
Asheville, N.C.
Freedom on the Inside is a twelve-week devotional workbook and facilitation model designed for incarcerated individuals and those in reentry or recovery communities. Grounded in the Wesleyan understanding of prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace, the curriculum guides participants through Scripture, prayer practices, worship reflection, and invitations to faith. By equipping lay leaders with trauma-informed facilitation resources, the initiative aims to establish sustainable discipleship cohorts within correctional and recovery environments while expanding access to Gospel-centered spiritual formation.
Emanuel A.M.E. Church
Portsmouth, Va.
The Family Table Initiative at Emanuel A.M.E. Church will expand an existing food ministry into a holistic, family-centered program that addresses both physical and spiritual hunger in the community. Twice-monthly gatherings combine shared meals, budgeting and nutrition workshops, cooking discipleship circles, youth leadership development, and community outreach dinners. By transforming the table into a place of fellowship, learning, and faith formation, the initiative will create relational pathways for evangelism while engaging youth through leadership development and summer formation opportunities.
Fair Havens A.M.E. Church
Baltimore, Md.
The Men’s Gathering Place is a biweekly fellowship initiative at Fair Havens A.M.E. Church that creates a welcoming environment for men and young males to build relationships, explore faith, and support one another. By addressing relational and spiritual needs within the Curtis Bay community, the ministry seeks to guide participants toward deeper discipleship and engagement in the life of the church.
Faith Community Church
Plymouth, Mass.
The Algonquin Heights Youth Mentoring Program will launch a Gospel-centered mentoring initiative for middle school students in one of Plymouth’s most underserved neighborhoods. Through weekly one-on-one mentoring, group gatherings, field trips, and intentional integration into church life, trained volunteers will support youth facing high truancy rates and social challenges. By building consistent relationships and sharing the
Gospel, the program aims to strengthen students’ life skills, encourage spiritual growth, and help reduce school absenteeism in the community.
Fortuna Church of the Nazarene
Fortuna, Ca.
The Come to the Table initiative empowers young adults at Fortuna First Church of the Nazarene to lead a relational outreach to unhoused neighbors in the Eel River Valley. Through monthly outdoor gatherings centered around shared meals, conversation, and compassionate support, the program addresses both spiritual and physical needs while fostering mutual discipleship. By combining practical care with leadership training for young adults, the initiative cultivates sustainable ministry that reflects Christ’s hospitality and builds meaningful relationships within the community.
Fragrant Offerings Church of the Nazarene
Decatur, Ala.
Free Coffee and Conversation is a mobile outreach ministry designed to bring the Gospel into community festivals and public gatherings in Hartselle and surrounding towns. Using a pop-up tent offering free coffee, trained volunteers will intentionally engage attendees through friendly conversation while prayer team members intercede for those present. This
simple yet relational model aims to create approachable opportunities for spiritual dialogue and Gospel witness in everyday community spaces.
Point Hope Church
Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Project Refresh at Point Hope Church will expand from an internal discipleship gathering into a community-focused outreach through a monthly outdoor Christian concert series. These events will create welcoming spaces where neighbors can experience music, testimony, prayer, and authentic relationships in a relaxed setting. By combining hospitality with spiritual invitation, the initiative seeks to introduce community members to the love of Christ and provide natural pathways toward deeper engagement with the church.
Prospect Park United Methodist Church
Prospect Park, Pa.
The Relational Evangelism and Discipleship Pilot Initiative is a six-month effort at Prospect Park United Methodist Church designed to intentionally integrate Gospel invitation into existing community relationships. Through shared meals, guided conversations, testimony sharing, and prayer, participants connected to the church through outreach ministries will be invited to explore faith and engage in discipleship pathways such as worship participation and small groups. Lay leaders will be trained in Wesleyan relational evangelism practices, with the pilot aiming to cultivate a sustainable culture of grace-centered evangelism rooted in authentic relationships.
Reaching Our City Church of the Nazarene/Ceili Community UMC
Prospect Park, Pa.
Zoe Bridge is an inclusive evangelistic initiative designed to introduce children with special needs, economically vulnerable families, and their caregivers to the love of Jesus Christ through belonging, accessible worship, and intentional discipleship. Through partnerships between local congregations and an inclusion-focused community center, the program provides sensory-friendly environments, creative activities, shared meals, and adaptive faith practices that remove barriers often experienced by these families. By fostering trusted relationships and welcoming participants into ongoing congregational life, Zoe Bridge creates pathways for families to encounter the Gospel and grow as disciples and leaders within the church.
Smith Metropolitan AME Zion Church
Anniston, Ala.
This initiative establishes a faith-based Ecumenical Youth Council and Outreach Program at Jacksonville State University to support college students who are disconnected from local churches due to transportation challenges and campus isolation. Led in partnership with denominational youth leadership, the program will create opportunities for Bible study, discipleship formation, and collaborative ministry among students and nearby congregations. By providing a consistent spiritual community on campus, the council seeks to nurture student leadership, strengthen faith development, and encourage young adults to share the Gospel among their peers.
St. Francis UMC
Charlotte, N.C.
Vision 153 is an outreach initiative inspired by John 21:4–11 that seeks to engage a new generation through relationship-centered evangelism. The program’s first phase, “Casting the Net,” will launch a community basketball league in partnership with a charter school located on church property, creating an accessible environment for youth and young adults to build friendships and connect with the church. The second phase, “The Blessed Table,” will invite participants to informal dinners featuring music, conversation, and faith sharing, providing a natural bridge from recreational connection to Christian fellowship and discipleship.
St. Luke C.M.E. Church
Tryon, N.C.
This initiative seeks to engage youth and young adults in rural Polk County through creative outreach experiences such as faith-based movie nights, outdoor fellowship events, and small-group discussions centered on Scripture and life challenges. By partnering with nearby congregations and offering training for adult mentors, the program will create safe spaces for spiritual exploration and leadership development. The initiative aims to renew the church’s evangelistic witness while cultivating a new generation of disciples connected to faith, community, and local heritage.
Woodlawn Community Fellowship
Charlotte, N.C.
This initiative will launch a series of performances, art exhibits, public conversations, and collaborations that invite the Charlotte community into dialogue around reconciliation, creativity, and shared civic life. Through partnerships with local arts organizations, the church will host events that foster friendship, trust, and meaningful engagement with neighbors who may feel disconnected from traditional church settings. By training congregational facilitators to guide thoughtful conversations, the project seeks to create relational pathways for evangelism rooted in hospitality, peacebuilding, and authentic community presence.
Previous Grants
2025 Equipping the Local Church Grants
ALABAMA
Village Church (Free Methodist) – Enhancing Gathering Spaces – Phenix City, Alabama http://www.villagechurchpc.com/
ARIZONA
Ajo Federated Church (United Methodist) – Faithful Roots – Ajo, Arizona https://ajofederatedchurch.com
Iglesia Aliento (United Methodist) – Stories of Hope: Healing, Faith, and Community at the Table – Phoenix, Arizona https://iglesiaaliento.org
Song of Life (SoL) United Methodist Church – Community Garden Ministry – Queen Creek, Arizona https://www.songoflifeumc.org
The United Methodist Church of Casa Grande – The Tranquil CommUNITY Garden – Casa Grande, Arizona http://www.umccg.org/
Wesley United Methodist Church – Family Fun Day – Phoenix, Arizona https://wesleyumcphoenix.org
ARKANSAS
Mena First Church of the Nazarene – Growing Together – Mena, Arkansas
Moore’s Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church – Men Making Men Summer Youth Project – Morrilton, Arkansas
CALIFORNIA
Missionary Temple C.M.E. Church – MTC Children’s Ministry – San Francisco, California
CONNECTICUT
Redeemer’s A.M.E. Zion Church – Men of Zion: Building Leaders, Strengthening Faith, and Serving Community – Plainville, Connecticut
FLORIDA
Branches United Methodist Church – Core Groups – Florida City, Florida https://branchesumc.org
South Florida Global Methodist Church – Five Bread & Two Fish – Tamarac, Florida https://www.mcosf.org
HAWAII
Lahaina United Methodist Church – LUMC Children and Youth Ministry – Lahaina, Hawaii https://lumcmaui.org
ILLINOIS
First United Methodist Church Des Plaines – Community Building Peace Circles in Des Plaines – Des Plaines, Illinois https://www.fumcdp.org
Community Cup Church of the Nazarene – Youngest Worshippers/Safe Space – Kankakee, Illinois https://communitycupbbk.org
Urban Village Church (United Methodist) – Urban Story Hub – River Forest, Illinois https://urbanvillagechurch.org
INDIANA
Waterline Church (Wesleyan) – Faith & Family Nights – Pendleton, Indiana https://waterlinechurch.com
KANSAS
University United Methodist Church – Life Link Hub – Never Do Life Alone – Wichita, Kansas https://uumc.net
KENTUCKY
Winchester First United Methodist Church and First Fire-Trinity Church – Adventure United Methodist Community – Winchester, Kentucky http://winfumc.org/
MARYLAND
Restoration A.M.E. Zion Church – Camp Embrace – Baltimore, Maryland https://restorationamezion.com
MASSACHUSETTS
Lynn First Church of the Nazarene – L.I.F.T. (Love Is Forever Transforming) – Lynn, Massachusetts https://www.lynnnazarene.com
MICHIGAN
Mount Calvary A.M.E. Church – Voices in Motion – Detroit, Michigan https://thrivingatthecalvary.com
The Edge Urban Fellowship (Wesleyan Church) – i40 Urban Arts Program – Grand Rapids, Michigan https://theedgegr.com
MISSOURI
Total Life Church of the Nazarene – Free Basketball Program – Kansas City, Missouri
Mexico United Methodist Church – Seeds of Joy – Mexico, Missouri https://www.mexicoumc.org
New Awakening United Methodist Church – We’re Better Together – St. Louis, Missouri https://newawakeningumc.com
NEW YORK
Schenectady Church of the Nazarene – O.N.E. (Outreach Neighborhood Enrichment) – Schenectady, New York https://www.schenectadynazarene.org
NORTH CAROLINA
All God’s Children United Methodist Church – Holy C.O.W. (Church on Wheels) – Aulander, North Carolina
Checkpoint Church (United Methodist) – Nerdy Sermons – Lincolnton, North Carolina (matching grant with Reynolds Ministry Fund) https://www.checkpointchurch.com
Forest Hill United Methodist Church – New Worship Community at Gibson Village – Concord, North Carolina (matching grant with Reynolds Ministry Fund) http://www.foresthillumc.org/
Galilee A.M.E. Zion Church – Christian Education Department – Morven, North Carolina https://galileeamezchurch.org
Hope United Methodist Church – Band of Hope – East Flat Rock, North Carolina https://myhopeunited.org (matching grant with Reynolds Ministry Fund)
Pembroke First United Methodist Church– Sacred Pathways – Pembroke, North Carolina https://pfumc.org
Word on the Street (United Methodist) – Sunday Suppers – Huntersville, North Carolina (matching grant with Reynolds Ministry Fund) https://www.facebook.com/people/Word-on-the-Street-NC/100080641125057
Zebulon and Knightdale United Methodist Churches – Zebulon UMC Baby Pantry – Knightdale, North Carolina http://k-umc.org/
OHIO
Beloved United Methodist Church – Crockpot Compassion – Marysville, Ohio https://belovedumc.org
Iglesia Hispana St. Mark’s (United Methodist) – “El Equipo de Jesus” (Team Jesus) – Sports Camp – Columbus, Ohio
Open Church (United Methodist) – Recovery HEROS – Columbus, Ohio https://openchurchcolumbus.org
St. Paul United Methodist Church – Backwards Church – Dayton, Ohio https://stpauldayton.org
OKLAHOMA
New Life Church of the Nazarene – New Life Youth Ministry – Miami, Oklahoma https://newlifemiami.com
Regency Park Church of the Nazarene – Recreational Outreach – Tulsa, Oklahoma https://regencypark.org
Tulakes Community Church and Tulakes Neighborhood Ministries (Church of the Nazarene) – Community Street Fair & Movie Nights – Oklahoma City/Bethany, Oklahoma https://tulakes.org
PENNSYLVANIA
Circleville Church of North Huntingdon, PA (Global Methodist) – Embrace Grace – North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania https://circlevillechurchgmc.com
SOUTH CAROLINA
Ebenezer Church of the Nazarene – Housing Stability & Financial Empowerment Program – Irmo, South Carolina https://www.ebenezernazarene.com
TENNESSEE
Bethel Chapel AME Church – ICODE (Innovation, Community, Outreach, Discipleship, and Evangelism) – Cordova, Tennessee http://bethelchapelcolumbia.org/
First Oneida United Methodist Church – Camp in the Community – Oneida, Tennessee https://firstumconeida.org
Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church – Soul Food Community Table – Nashville, Tennessee https://gordonmemorialumc.org
Pleasant View United Methodist Church – Food Pantry – Pleasant View, Tennessee https://www.pvumc.info
St. Luke A.M.E. Church – Beyond the Walls Ministry – Nashville, Tennessee https://www.stlukeamenashville.com
TEXAS
ConNext Steps (Global Methodist Church) – Career on a Mission, – The Woodlands, Texas https://www.connextsteps.org
El Mesias United Methodist Church – After School Tutoring and Education Program – Floresville, Texas https://elmesiasumc.com
First United Methodist Church Victoria – Family Ministry – Victoria, Texas https://fumcvictoria.com
WASHINGTON
Auburn First United Methodist Church – Live-Streaming Worship – Auburn, Washington https://auburnfirstumc.org
2025 Thriving Congregations Local Church Cohorts Starter Grants
Gurley C.M.E Church – Gurley, Alabama
Metropolitan United Methodist Church – Montgomery, Alabama
Jerusalem A.M.E.Z Church – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Cross Roads United Methodist Church – Phoenix, Arizona
Emmanuel United Methodist Church – Bradenton, Florida
St. Paul United Methodist Church – Jacksonville, Florida
St. Paul C.M.E Church (Altruistic Servanthood Corp.) – Smyrna, Georgia
Ward Chapel A.M.E Church – Peoria, Illinois
Gershom C.M.E Church – Indianapolis, Indiana
Ards Chapel A.M.E.Z Church – Amite, Louisiana
St. Paul A.M.E.Z Church – Detroit, Michigan
Marne United Methodist Church – Marne, Michigan
Fifth Avenue A.M.E.Z Church – Troy, New York
Bethel AME Church – Downington, Pennsylvania
New Greater Bethel A.M.E Church – Jackson, Tennessee
Glen Alpine United Methodist Church – Kingsport, Tennessee
First United Methodist Church – Duncanville, Texas
Smith Memorial United Methodist Church – Collinsville, Virginia
Bethel A.M.E Church – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2025 Educating Gospel Leader Grants
Dr. Bryan Stone (through June) – Boston University School of Theology
Dr. Daniel Shin – Drew Theological School
Prof. Achim Hartner (through July) / Maximilian Buhler (from August) – Reutlingen Theological Seminary
Dr. Wilmer Estrada Carrasquillo – Asbury Theological Seminary
Dr. Sergei Nikolaev – Moscow Theological Seminary of The United Methodist Church
Dr. Joon-Sik Park – Methodist Theological School in Ohio
Dr. Mark Teasdale – Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Dr. Henry H. Knight III – St. Paul School of Theology
Dr. Alma Tinoco Ruiz – Duke Divinity School