The Jubilee initiative will support congregations through debt assistance, building improvements and expanded outreach.
The Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church plans to invest $15 million in congregations and ministry projects, including $5 million for church debt relief and $10 million for other needs.
The Jubilee initiative draws on reserves and investment earnings, according to the Rev. Van Stinson, the conference’s executive director of Mission and Ministry.
Stinson told The Christian Post that churches reporting capital debt had been identified and contacted, with the recipient list expected to be completed by the end of October.
Other funding could support expanded food ministries, accessibility improvements, building repairs and youth evangelism.
The initiative’s website also identifies staffing and major ministry projects as potential uses. Funding for new or expanded staff positions may last up to two years.
Eligible applicants include Louisiana United Methodist congregations, affiliated campus ministries and camps, subject to program requirements.
For the fall funding cycle, letters of intent are due October 23, followed by applications November 13. Funding decisions are scheduled for December 15. Churches being considered for capital-debt relief are contacted directly and do not need to submit a letter of intent.
The conference describes Jubilee as a two-year initiative. The announced funding represents planned assistance; individual awards and project outcomes are still to come.
