United Methodist Endorsing Agency

11/21/2025

Recently UMEA Director, Rev. Dr. Kent A. Lundy, did a site visit in Breezewood, PA with our very own UMEA endorsed Travel Plaza Chaplain, Bruce Maxwell. Bruce has been a constant presence for many years bringing hope and witness in the Name of Jesus Christ to truckers and travelers alike. This visit ensured the bonds of The United Methodist Church and those in endorsed settings remain steady. The next time you are in Breezewood, PA look for Bruce on the 2nd floor of the TravelCenters of America Plaza (look for the huge "TA" sign).

11/17/2025

Recently, Rev. Dr. Kent A. Lundy--Director of UMEA, was the guest of two Navy UMEA endorsed chaplains at the Navy Chaplain Corps' 250th celebration in Washington DC. This visit ensured connections remain strong between The United Methodist Church and our military chaplains. It was at this occasion that the life and witness of former UMEA Director and retired Navy chaplain--Herbert Griffin--was memorialized with a ringing of a bell. A special word of thanks to Ch (CAPT) Jen Bowden and Ch (CAPT) Gen Clark for the invitation and hospitality!

11/13/2025

To strengthen the connection of The United Methodist Church to those United Methodist clergy serving in endorsed settings and their spouses, the UMEA staff recently hosted a Nashville, TN dinner. What a great time to solidify the connection!

11/04/2025

Our very own UMEA endorsed Retirement Community chaplain, Rev. Yvonne Boyd interviews actor Colman Domingo (Star of "Rustin" and "Selma," among others) in her endorsed ministry setting at the Motion Picture and Television Fund's Assisted Living Center in Woodland Hills, CA. Our UMEA endorsed clergy are doing some amazing things in some amazing places!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZFhjk2FPRw

10/30/2025

Did you know that our new Director, Rev. Dr. Kent A. Lundy has committed to make one on one contact with all 590 endorsed clergy within his first 18 months? He is closing in on 50 within his first month! Here he is talking with endorsed Life Coach, Jim Robey.

10/25/2025

UMEA stands in solidarity with our endorsed chaplains that rely directly or indirectly on our government for funding and a paycheck. You are seen. You matter. We are grateful for you standing in the gap for such a time as this as you embody the love of Jesus Christ during this most difficult season.
https://www.umc.org/en/content/cob-pastoral-letter-on-us-government-shutdown?fbclid=IwY2xjawNpnwdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHsvCbSztFPjEvijueyN7WxNmUDKFDE2OdFI-BQKeDq4gUcKktgNKJ5g-rfgt_aem_g_Si2TVNCpj9cXFxE0S0Bg

The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church call on elected leaders to work for the sake of those they serve while also calling for United Methodists to be in prayer and to be attentive to the needs of their communities.

10/22/2025

Recently, UMEA Director Rev. Dr. Kent A. Lundy visited Methodist School of Theology in Ohio to discuss the enriching options of serving as an UMEA endorsed clergyperson. This is another example of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry connecting academia and the church.

10/16/2025

This is a great article about UMEA-endorsed hospital chaplains serving in the Virginia Annual Conference. It highlights the work that is at the foundation of our Wesleyan-rooted ministry—connecting mind, body and spirit.

Chaplains bring church to the people — wherever they are. Read how United Methodist chaplains are making an impact beyond the sanctuary: https://vaumc.org/united-methodist-chaplains-serving-beyond-the-walls-of-the-church/

10/13/2025

Ch (Col) Meeker is one of our very own UMEA-endorsed Army Chaplains. This is an excellent article reminding us of the importance that we in the United Methodist tradition place on preparing transformational leaders by ensuring they have a solid theological education.

By Karen Meeker. Chaplain Meeker argues that the 2004 Department of Defense Instruction 1304.28 had significant impact on the endorsement and accession of chaplains.

09/26/2025

We are excited to announce the appointment of the Rev. Dr. (Lt. Col.) Kent Lundy as director of the United Methodist Endorsing Agency (UMEA), effective Oct. 1, 2025!

Learn more about the Rev. Dr. Lundy and how his vision and experience will provide vital structure and support for current and future endorsed chaplains: https://www.gbhem.org/news/rev-dr-lt-col-kent-lundy-named-director-of-united-methodist-endorsing-agency/

11/20/2024

02/28/2024

Plans are underway for an English-speaking Chaplaincy training program, coordinated through the GBHEM LEAD Hubs South Africa, with Executive Director Prof. Dr. Stephen Hendricks and Stanley Arumugam.