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MIRACLE SUNDAY, MAY 17

Miracle Sunday on May 17 is a worldwide initiative of The United Methodist Church to strengthen theological education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines through a permanent endowment.

The vision is bold: to help endow 500 theological scholarships annually – in perpetuity.

In the United States, approximately 71% of clergy have earned a Master of Theology. Outside the U.S., fewer than 5% of clergy possess this degree. This disparity is not about calling or competence. It is about access.

Miracle Sunday on May 17 strengthens long-term access to theological education outside the United States by building a permanent endowment – ensuring that future leaders are equipped to serve faithfully in some of the most challenging mission contexts in our global church.

• When leaders are formed, congregations grow stronger.
• When congregations grow stronger, communities find hope.
• When one part of the body is strengthened, the whole Church thrives.

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A fair question: “What about seminary debt for U.S. clergy?”
It is true that many U.S. seminarians carry significant debt. It is also true that The United Methodist Church continues to support theological education in the United States through apportionments, scholarships, and conference initiatives.

In supporting the Miracle Sunday initiative:

1. we acknowledge that in many parts of the world there is little to no endowment, and
2. we choose – as one worldwide Church – to strengthen access to theological education.

Sharing About Miracle Sunday in Your Church
In support of the Council of Bishops’ endowment initiative, Conference leadership has prepared downloadable resources for your church to use in services the three weeks prior to Miracle Sunday, May 17.

Sunday, April 26 – Love Boldly
Sunday, May 3 – Serve Joyfully
Sunday, May 10 – Lead Courageously
Sunday, May 17 – Miracle Sunday

Miracle Sunday Resources

• Learn about the theological education endowment.
• Download graduate testimonial videos.