The Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation is pleased to announce that two pastors from the Desert Southwest Conference received scholarships from the Foundation to attend the Practical Church Leadership program at Dakota Wesleyan University, which is designed for ministry professionals. 

Pastor Kayla Johnson, serving at Sierra Vista United Methodist Church and Rev. Towanda N.T. Connelly, Senior Pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church of Phoenix were each selected for scholarships funding $7,000 of the tuition cost plus travel expenses.

The yearlong course leads to a certificate in Practical Church Leadership, and covers financial development, governance, talent management, project management, and communications.  Dakota Wesleyan University offers the program in partnership with The United Methodist Church, reflecting a commitment to practical ministry training.

Pastor Johnson noted that she “felt especially drawn to focus on stewardship and financial literacy because those are some of the areas that I have the largest gaps of understanding in.”  She further notes having seen a growing need within communities of faith to be proactive and strategic in leadership.

Rev. Connelly cited the appeal of a program that offers education in human resources, financial leadership, change management, and conflict resolution.  Further, “the structure of the program, with its core strengths, real time learning, coaching and interpersonal connection, will be a combination that increases my learning capacity, empowering me to become a solid pastor able to navigate the administration and business realities of the church.”

Scholarship endowment funds allow the Foundation Board of Directors to make grant awards like these possible.

Blessings,

Anne Green
Executive Director
602-798-8202