NACP Seeks New Leader

The Rev. Anita Phillips, executive director of The United Methodist Church’s Native American Comprehensive Plan (NACP), will be retiring effective Dec. 31, 2018. 

“My years with the NACP have been some of the best of my life,” said Phillips. “I am so thankful for having had this opportunity to serve God through walking with Native American churches and communities.” 
 
Phillips has served as executive director for 14 years. During her time she has led the denomination in efforts to create awareness about the value of Native Americans in The United Methodist Church; she has worked closely with Conference Committees on Native American Ministries to develop and support Native congregations; and she has also led workshops and training events to empower Native leaders.
 
“Anita’s contributions to Native American ministries within the denomination will have long lasting benefits for the entire church,” said Fred Shaw, director of the Native American Course of Study and chair of the NACP. “We are grateful for her leadership and guidance and all that she has done on behalf of Native American United Methodists for more than a decade.”

Phillips is an Elder in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.  She is also the co-author (with Henrietta Mann) of On this Spirit Walk: The Voices of Native American and Indigenous People.

The NACP Board plans to begin a search for a new executive director for the NACP by August 1, 2019. 

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