United Methodist Endorsing Agency

02/09/2026

Ingrid is one of our UMEA endorsed specialized settings chaplains doing good in the Name of Jesus Christ in Nashville, TN.

Some people need diapers for their children, while others need a place to recover from surgery and freedom from medical debts. Three United Methodist churches are responding — and making an outsize contribution to their communities.

02/06/2026

From one of our UMEA endorsed clergy that might be just the word someone needs that is discerning a call to endorsed ministry beyond the local church.

Chaplaincy. Pastoral care. Ministry. The care of souls. What lies beneath that which lies beneath them? Like Virgil, chaplain Stephen Faller guides an unusual tour winding through personal disclosure about ministry, adoption, chaplaincy, and disability. Contextualized within chaplaincy and cli...

02/05/2026

United Methodist Endorsing Agency is pleased to present, "Endorsement 101 w/the UMEA Director." This will be a time to learn about what endorsement is, what is means and how those called to ministry (but not local church ministries) can still serve in ministry through The United Methodist Church. Endorsement is available to Licensed Local Pastors, Deacons (provisional and full members) and Elders (provisional and full members).
When: Thursday April 23, 2026; 4-5 p.m. ET
Why: to help spread the great word about the growing demand for chaplains
How: sign up here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/_fOGWJRHR_6SjY0DyC45HQ
Please help spread the word by sharing this information and link.
Reach out to Rev. Dr. Kent A. Lundy, UMEA Director with questions at klundy@gbhem.org

02/03/2026

An inspiring story from our past to propel us forward in the calling we share.

On February 3, 1943, Chaplains George Fox, Alexander Goode, Clark Poling, and John Washington gave their lives aboard the USAT Dorchester, sacrificing their own life jackets so others could live. These brave Soldiers lived and served by the truth of Psalm 23: even “through the valley of the shadow of death,” they feared no evil, trusting in God’s presence with them. In observing Four Chaplains Day, Chaplains, Religious Affairs Specialists, DREs, and all who serve in the Army Chaplain Corps continue to be inspired by the legacy of the Four Chaplains.

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02/02/2026

FREE Wespath training on Wednesday April 22 from 3-4:30 pm ET for all UMEA clergy (no matter your age) and a spouse (if applicable). Training will cover basic concepts as well as address issues unique to those serving in endorsed settings. Register at the link below:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XmB8Za2hS2qDhTToZzZ7lg

01/27/2026

UMEA brain hive activate! We are looking for a potential retreat location for the fall of 2027 with these caveats:
1) Must be "Midwest" (TX/AR/MO/KS/IA/MN ish)
2) Appropriate retreat setting for 100 persons in large group settings and small group settings
3) 75-90 updated sleeping rooms (no shared bathrooms!) & can accommodate single/couples
4) OR appropriate hotel rooms in the area if sleeping at the retreat center is not an option
5) Sensible location within reasonable distance to a major airport
6) Would consider a local UMC church that has necessary rooms for meeting that has appropriate hotel options in the area.
NOTE: 2026 retreat is in Nashville; we intend 2027 to be "Midwest" and not sure about 2028 yet

Thanks in advance.

01/26/2026

"I have recently completed my 100th call (I began 1 Oct 2025) towards my goal to have a one on one conversation with each of the 590 UMEA endorsed clergy by 1 Apr 2027. I am learning so much and am grateful for the connections that are being made. If I have not gotten to you yet, please be patient." Rev. Dr. Kent A. Lundy, UMEA Director

01/25/2026

Let's talk impact from of one of very own UMEA Chaplains! Bruce Maxwell is appointed to the Breezewood, PA Trucker and Traveler Ministry. Take a look at these 2025 numbers! Thanks be to God!

01/23/2026

Here is your chance to make our UMEA voice heard in shaping the future of the UMC. Please take a moment to take this survey. Thank you.

The Council of Bishops is inviting all United Methodists to participate in a historic denomination-wide survey and join in a series of webinars to prepare for this October’s Leadership Gathering.

01/22/2026

Have you ever wondered about the nuances between being a "pastor" and "chaplain?" Check out our very own UMEA endorsed chaplain, Chris Barbieri (Staff Chaplain at Atrium Health Floyd in GA) along with other guests.

In this episode of Church Potluck, Dale McConkey welcomes a bundle of chaplains for a thoughtful, funny, and deeply moving conversation about what chaplains do—and how their ministry differs from that of congregational pastors. Special guest Rev. ...

01/17/2026

Save the date!! We will begin in the evening of Monday Oct. 26 and conclude at 4 pm (CT) on Thursday Oct. 29. Suggested travel days are Monday AM and Friday AM. Space it limited! Registrations will open in April. We hope to see you there! This is for all current UMEA endorsed clergy and a spouse (if applicable).

01/15/2026

UMEA endorsed Navy chaplain Jenn Bowden (Chief of Chaplains for the Coast Guard) delivers the invocation at the Assumption of Command ceremony for Commandant Lunday. This is a great example of UMEA endorsed chaplains serving at all levels of the military.

Tap to view!