This past spring, Bishop Lanette Plambeck invited United Methodists from across the Dakotas to participate in the 2026 Miracle Offering – “From the Wellspring: Faith that Learns, Love that Serves.” This year’s offering theme was grounded in the missional value of learning as foundational for Methodists since the time of John Wesley.

“The 2026 Miracle Offering is an investment in people: the pastors, teachers, and lay leaders who will carry the Church forward, here in the Dakotas and across our worldwide connection,” said Bishop Lanette.

So far, Dakotas United Methodists have contributed $62,169.43 to this offering. This amount is divided equally between the Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines and education and training for laity across the Dakotas Conference.

Participants in a Miracle

The Dakotas contribution to the Endowment for Theological Education was part of a denomination-wide Miracle Sunday Initiative that has officially raised $2,123,420 in gifts and pledges, marking an extraordinary step toward permanently supporting theological education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.

In a recent press release, the Miracle Sunday Initiative leadership shared, “What began with a vision in September 2025 and an official kickoff with Miracle Sunday in April 2026 has quickly blossomed into a vibrant movement, inspired by the spirit of joyful, collective generosity found in 1 Chronicles 29. The initiative is driven by a shared dream: to ensure that courageous, compassionate leaders are equipped to shepherd congregations for generations to come.”

“Already, 50 annual conferences and hundreds of passionate supporters have reported back to us, resulting in 322 distinct contributions from local churches, conferences, and individual donors. Generosity is shining in every corner of the connection—from the South Congo and Zambia Episcopal Area, which leads with over $340,000 raised and pledged, to remarkable 100% church participation in regions like North Macedonia and Denmark.”

Congregations and conferences across the connection continue to give to this collective expression of generosity. The Conference finance office also continues to receive contributions from United Methodists in the Dakotas.

"Together, we are part of something much larger than ourselves," Bishop Streiff added. "Every gift, large or small, is shaping the future of the Church and equipping pastoral leaders for generations to come.”

All Are Called

The Dakotas Conference believes strongly in the role of laity in our congregations, communities, and connectional leadership. Even as God calls people into pastoral ministry, the Holy Spirit continues to stir in the hearts and lives of laity, calling and gifting them for mission and ministry in their churches, communities, and beyond.

Across the Dakotas, multiple churches and charges are led by certified lay ministers, clergy/lay pastoral teams, and congregational lay leaders who serve faithfully to ensure vital ministry happens in churches and communities, no matter the size or location. Training and educational opportunities are a key part of the ongoing discipleship and leadership development of these individuals. The Miracle Offering funds will seek to remove financial barriers to these laity accessing the education, training, and tools that will help them respond faithfully in their churches and communities.

“Formation has always been at the heart of the Wesleyan way. We believe God's grace does not leave us as we are. It shapes us in holiness and equips us to join in God's transforming work in the world,” said Bishop Lanette. “This offering puts that conviction into practice.”

The Dakotas Conference offers various trainings throughout the year and also collaborates with connectional partners to make trainings available. A few upcoming trainings include:

Let's Preach 2026-27 – The Dakotas-Minnesota Area is offering two connected opportunities for clergy and laity to grow their preaching skills. First, PREACH! 2026, October 18–21 in Eden Prairie, MN, offers in-person and virtual sessions focused on formation, storytelling, theological imagination, and practical preaching skills. Then, Let’s Preach!, beginning November 11, provides an opportunity to continue the learning through small groups, support materials, and virtual speakers throughout 2027. Participate in one or both opportunities as you deepen your preaching practice and connect with other preachers. Learn more and register for PREACH! and Let’s Preach!

Garrett Collective – The Collective is Garrett's re-imagination of lifelong learning and continuing education. Garrett believes that personal, professional, and spiritual formation does not begin or end with a degree. It is a lifelong learning process that engages with present- day realities and looks ahead with hope, imagination, and a deep commitment to do all the good one can. With continuing education courses, workshops, certificates, webinars, resources, and more, there is something for everyone.

BeADisciple.com – BeADisciple.com is a ministry of the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship connected with The United Methodist Church. This online platform offers a variety of courses and studies, including those required for Certified Lay Ministry (CLM).

“By building an enduring foundation for theological education beyond the United States, and by strengthening the formation of lay leaders here at home, we help ensure that those whom God calls are also prepared to serve,” shared Bishop Lanette. “This is connectionalism at its best: sharing what God has entrusted to us so that leaders are formed, disciples are deepened, and communities flourish for generations to come.”

Check out the Conference communications and social media channels or contact the Conference office for more information about upcoming events and grants available to help any interested layperson attend.