NACP Commissions Native American Research Study

The NACP, in partnership with Path One/New Church Starts of Discipleship Ministries, commissioned a research study on the “state of Native American ministries and churches” in the U.S.  Communications consultant, Ginny Underwood (Comanche-Kiowa), has begun the first phase of work on this new project and presented an Executive Summary of the research completed thus far at the NACP board meeting held April 5-7 in Dallas.  Titled “A Snapshot of Native American Ministries in The United Methodist Church,” a PowerPoint presentation outlined historical events that have shaped ministry today, the impact of the 2012 Act of Repentance by the General Conference, and emerging themes expressed by Native American participants of the survey.

“The report has shed light on some very positive results of the Act of Repentance and it also tells us that our work to improve relationships among non-Native United Methodists and indigenous communities is far from over,” said the Rev. Anita Phillips, NACP executive director. “We plan to glean insights from the report that will inform our future NACP work and areas most ready for new church starts.”

The NACP plans to make the report public in the coming weeks.

---