The Board of Trustees of the Missouri United Methodist Foundation has announced that David P. Atkins will retire as the organization’s President on December 31, 2025.
Julie Salmon, Board of Trustees Chair, expressed gratitude for Mr. Atkins’ 28+ years of service to the Foundation, “David has been a visible and trusted ambassador for the Foundation among the pastors, laity, and leaders of United Methodist churches, agencies and organizations. He has
overseen significant growth in assets, demonstrated exemplary leadership, and advanced stewardship, planned giving, and future funding for ministries throughout the Missouri Annual Conference and beyond.”
“Serving the people and pastors of the Missouri Conference has been a joy and an honor,” states Atkins. “And we all owe a debt of gratitude to those outstanding individuals who have served and continue to serve on the Foundation board. These are our fellow church members who devote time, talents and treasure in service to our shared mission – to serve the Living Lord and a world in need.”
The Missouri United Methodist Foundation (MUMF) has been a vital resource for United Methodist congregations and related ministries throughout Missouri and beyond for over 58 years. Today, the Foundation is living into that traditional mission while nurturing the green shoots of new services and new opportunities. In partnership with the Lilly Endowment, the Foundation created the Clergy & Church Financial Ministry (C2FM) that is encouraging pastors to enhance financial leadership skills, as well as build family and congregational health and well-being. C2FM has awarded over $1.6 million in financial aid to pastors over the past eight years.
Over 225 churches and related agencies use the Foundation as a trusted investor and administrator of long-term funds. The Foundation administers over $120 million in assets. Donors create endowments and planned gifts at the Foundation that sustain specific ministries as well as broader fields of interest. A robust Ministry Grant program encourages church programming, activities and outreach, and a variety of scholarships support undergraduate and seminary students. Over $300,000 is awarded each year in discretionary grant and scholarship distributions in addition to over $900,000 in donor directed distributions.
The Foundation is a key connector for donors and for congregations as they seek to inspire a new generation of faithful, generous disciples to create, lead, and sustain ministry in the 21st century. Together we are a foundation of…
Trusted stewards. Lasting legacies. Love in action.
The Board of Trustees will be conducting a national search in the weeks and months ahead. Information regarding the application and interview process will be published in the near future.