Black Methodist caucus establishes fund, giving program

By United Methodist News Service*


Black Methodists for Church Renewal has established two financial endeavors to encourage, connect and train African-American youth and young adults in The United Methodist Church and to support the work of the church's black caucus.

A permanent endowment honoring Bishop James S. Thomas and his wife, Ruth, will provide support for leadership of African-American youth and young adults.

A second financial endeavor is a planned giving program to support BMCR mission initiatives and the caucus' work as an advocacy, ministry and leadership development organization in behalf of more than 2,400 primarily black United Methodist congregations across the United States.

The caucus board of directors established the financial initiatives during its Aug. 15-16 meeting in Nashville, Tenn.

"If we are concerned about the future of BMCR, we need to find a way to empower and involve the young people of our constituency," said retired Bishop Forrest C. Stith, a consultant to the board.

He suggested initiating efforts toward creative programming, increasing attendance at various United Methodist conferences and organizing special events that would attract young people.
"This is an opportunity for BMCR to develop unearned income," said the Rev. Joseph L. Crawford Sr., treasurer of the board. "Our time under God is now to develop and direct these funds."

BMCR, along with the United Methodist Church Foundation, launched the endowment with $50,000 and a desire to raise at least $250,000 to begin awarding grants to annual (regional) conferences and jurisdictions to sponsor youth leadership events.

The fund connects with the goals of the Thomas Shockley Youth Theological Academy, a two-week program that identifies and nurtures children with the potential to be strong United Methodist leaders. The academy is named in honor of Bishop Thomas and the late Rev. Grant Shockley, a noted Christian educator, who began conversations on how to work with young people in the church.

The separate giving program was established with an initial $10,000 contribution by BMCR Chairperson Cheryl L. Walker.

For more information, visit www.bmcrumc.org or e-mail bmcr@umpublishing.org.

*This story is based on a news release by Pamela Crosby, executive director of Black Methodists