The Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church has just launched it’s major financial initiative that will eventually invest up to the sum of $15 million in churches and ministries across the state, and the goal of it is to help reduce church debt and creating new opportunities for mission and ministry.
It’s called the Jubilee Initiative, the multiyear program is said to have been designed around the biblical concept of Jubilee, which stands for restoration, freedom from burdens and a fresh beginning. Conference leaders say the initiative is intended to help congregations redirect money that has been tied up in debt toward serving their communities and developing new ministry efforts.
The break down says, of the sum of $15 million, approximately $5 million will be dedicated to debt reduction, while another $10 million will establish the Missional Momentum Fund. The debt-relief portion is expected to assist roughly about 25 churches across Louisiana.
One of the congregations expected to benefit from it, is the Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, which has carried about $1 million in debt which is associated with its church facility. The church’s building was said to have been constructed around 2005, but the financial obligation has remained for years. Rev. Kelly Berne, the church lead pastor, said the congregation has a very strong focus on ministry in its community, making the possibility of reducing the debt particularly significant.
The records or break down also state that, the remaining $10 million Missional Momentum Fund will be distributed through an application process. Churches and some eligible United Methodist ministries can seek funding or support for a range of projects, including facility repairs and renovations, accessibility improvements, strategic staffing and major ministry initiatives.
According to the Louisiana Conference, funding could help congregations address deferred maintenance or make changes that allow their buildings to better serve members and surrounding communities. Churches can also seek support for key staff positions for up to two years, giving them time to develop and establish sustainable ministry plans.
The initiative also comes after significant changes within the Louisiana Conference. Conference officials said the denomination experienced the departure of about 40% of its churches through disaffiliation, but its financial obligations were reduced by roughly the same percentage. Officials said the conference was therefore in a stronger financial position than initially expected and had accumulated significant assets through careful financial management and other developments.
The initiative is being financed through the conference’s strategic reserves and investment interest, rather than through regular apportionments. Conference officials specifically said the money is not coming from apportionments, pension funds or funds reserved for retiree health benefits. The Missional Momentum Fund is open to Louisiana United Methodist churches, affiliated campus ministries and camps. Applicants were asked to submit letters of intent by October 23, 2026.
Conference leaders describe Jubilee as an opportunity to remove financial barriers so congregations can concentrate more resources on their ministry calling. Bishop Delores J. Williamston said the initiative is intended to give churches greater room to reach people, serve communities, develop leaders and share the Christian faith. The program represents a significant financial investment by the Louisiana Conference, combining debt relief with direct funding for future ministry projects across the state.
