General Agencies

The United Methodist Church is increasing its efforts to make “values-based” investments that contribute positively to the world, according to a new report from FaithInvest. “Good Intentions 2026: What Faiths Say about How They Invest — and How They Can Do More” offers an in-depth analysis of the fast-growing faith investment sector. Photo by Zetong Li, courtesy of Unsplash; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Church should boost values-based investing, report says

A study of investment policies shows The United Methodist Church doing well compared with its peers, but notes it could increase efforts to make investments that would contribute positively to the world.

General Agencies

The Rev. Rick Vance, top executive of United Methodist Men, speaks during the inaugural meeting of the men’s agency on the African continent Dec. 9-11, 2025, at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe. On Oct. 7, Vance announced that United Methodist Men had halted its affiliation with the U.S. National Association of Conference Presidents. But he also held out hope that United Methodist Men and association could work toward an agreement that restores their relationship. File photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

Men’s group loses United Methodist affiliation

United Methodist Men has ended its affiliate relationship with the National Association of Conference Presidents, a fellowship that supports conference men’s ministries. Still, both groups hold out hope for reconciliation.

General Agencies

Christ is depicted in a stained-glass window at the Upper Room Chapel in Nashville, Tenn. Discipleship Ministries, which includes The Upper Room, is working to unite into one organization with the United Methodist boards of Global Ministries, Higher Education and Ministry, and United Methodist Communications. The agencies are working together to send legislation to form such a union to General Conference. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.

4 church agencies propose unifying into one

Four general agencies — United Methodist Communications, Discipleship Ministries, Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry — are making plans to become one. Legislation to unify the agencies will be going to General Conference.

Mission and Ministry

Kephus Mtambo, farm project coordinator for Mikundi Dairy Farm in Blantyre, Malawi, walks in a barn that is under construction. The farm is being transformed from a previously neglected irrigation facility into a modern livestock center with support from the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, a United Methodist Board of Global Ministries program. Photo by Francis Nkhoma, UM News.

Malawi farm aims to improve lives, draw people to Christ

Supported by a grant from The United Methodist Church’s Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, Mikundi Dairy Farm provides a model for community empowerment and evangelism.

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