Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church

What Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church does

The Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church is a regional administrative body of the United Methodist denomination that provides governance, clergy deployment, and shared ministry services to approximately 800 local United Methodist churches across Arkansas. The conference is organized into five geographic districts, employs 76 staff, and operates with a 2026-27 annual spending plan of approximately $5.78 million (a 3% reduction from the prior year). Its core functions include credentialing and appointing clergy, coordinating cross-conference programs, managing institutional communications, and convening the annual legislative session that sets policy for member congregations.

The conference's programmatic portfolio includes the Ozark Mission Project (youth service), Henderson Settlement (lodging and retail operations), Project Transformation (literacy and enrichment), Arkansas United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries (AUMCRM), the Dismantling Racism Initiative, and a 60+ year broadcast ministry reaching approximately 28,237 weekly viewers across the US, Canada, and the Philippines. Revenue is generated primarily through apportionments — a formula-based giving mechanism collected from member churches — supplemented by donations, event registration fees, and Henderson Settlement lodging and retail income. The conference shares a regional back office with the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas, a separately incorporated entity managing over $260 million in endowment funds.

Strategic and operational governance is exercised through the Annual Conference session, with strategic direction set by the resident bishop and cabinet. Recent strategic moves include a statewide identity campaign ("Following Jesus. Loving People. Sharing Grace."), executive transitions in OMP leadership and conference administration, the SCJ-SMU partnership agreement, and the Get Loud Arkansas civic engagement initiative. The organization operates in a challenging external environment shaped by the broader United Methodist disaffiliation trend, which is reflected in the 3% budget reduction and the defensive orientation of recent communications initiatives.

Name

Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church

Legal name

Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church

Website

https://arumc.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church is a regional denominational body serving 800+ local Methodist churches across Arkansas through five districts, coordinating clergy deployment, shared ministries, and statewide outreach with approximately 76 employees and a $5.78M annual budget.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Conference Administration

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAJAB

Denominational & Ecclesiastical Governance Bodies (Dioceses, Synods, Conferences)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Religious & Faith-Based Organizations

SECONDARYBPAGAJAD

Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Religious & Faith-Based Organizations

Keywords

• Religious conference administration
• Clergy formation services
• Disaster response ministry
• Youth ministry programs
• Congregational vitality

Headquarters

HQ city

Little Rock

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Apportioned Giving from Local Churches: Local United Methodist churches in Arkansas contribute to the conference budget through apportioned giving, which funds conference ministries, leadership development, and administrative services. The 2026-27 spending plan was approximately $5.78 million.
2. Donations and Offerings: Conference receives donations for specific initiatives including disaster response, 200,000 More Reasons (childhood hunger), Miracle Sunday Offering for theological education, and general ministry support through the conference website.
3. Event Registration: Revenue generated from conference events including Assembly (youth event at Hendrix College), Annual Conference, and various training programs. Registration fees typically range from $325-$350 per person for Assembly.
4. Methodist Foundation for Arkansas Endowment Management: The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas (affiliated organization) manages over $260 million in endowment funds and other charitable assets supporting Methodist ministries. Founded in 1963, it manages more than 800 funds.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church is a regional religious conference that provides coordination, resources, and support to local United Methodist churches across Arkansas. It operates through five districts and delivers ministry programs including disaster response, clergy credentialing and formation, youth ministry (ACCYM), lay servant training, and outreach initiatives such as the 200,000 More Reasons childhood hunger program.

Product overview

The Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church is a religious conference organization rather than a technology company. Its offering consists of a portfolio of ministry programs and church support services, not a software product or platform. Core services include Disaster Response Ministries (providing Early Response Teams, training, and recovery coordination), Volunteers in Mission (domestic and international mission journeys), youth programs through ACCYM (including the annual Assembly), Lay Servant Ministries (equipping laypersons for service), 200,000 More Reasons (childhood hunger alleviation), Campus Ministries, Dismantling Racism Initiative, and the statewide Following Jesus. Loving People. Sharing Grace. identity campaign. The Ozark Mission Project operates as an affiliated organization for home repair mission work. These are ministry programs, not technology products with developer APIs, integrations, or AI capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ACCYM (Arkansas Conference Conference on United Methodist Youth): Youth ministry organization providing opportunities for Arkansas United Methodist youth to strengthen their faith through leading, worshiping, and serving
• 200,000 More Reasons
• Ozark Mission Project
• Project Transformation Arkansas
• Miracle Sunday Offering
• Following Jesus. Loving People. Sharing Grace.

Products and services

• Disaster Response Ministries Provides a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of disaster, including Early Response Teams, chainsaw safety training, emotional and spiritual care, case management, and recovery rebuild/repair teams coordinated through district and conference disaster response coordinators.
• Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Offers opportunities for lay and clergy to utilize skills and talents in Christian service through domestic and international short-term mission journeys, including building, repairing, teaching, witnessing, and disaster response.
• ACCYM (Arkansas Conference Council on Youth) Provides opportunities for Arkansas United Methodist youth to strengthen their faith in Christ through leading, worshiping, and serving, including the annual Assembly event for students completing grades 6-12.
• Lay Servant Ministries Equips and empowers laypersons who have responded to the call of God to serve in mission and ministry, including Lay Speaker Fast Track Training providing all required courses in one yearly sequence.
• 200,000 More Reasons A ministry focused on alleviating childhood hunger in Arkansas, partnering with 51 churches receiving grants totaling more than $50,000 through the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas.
• Campus Ministries Provides support for new students during their transition into college life.
• Dismantling Racism Initiative Seeks to dismantle the sin of racism as a matter of faith, justice, and morality.
• Congregational Vitality Programs Includes 200,000 More Reasons, One More Question, Beacon Church, and Healthy Church Academy initiatives supporting congregations in vitality and community partnership.
• Ozark Mission Project Affiliate organization that mobilizes youth and adult volunteers to complete home repairs and accessibility projects for individuals and families who cannot afford or physically manage the work themselves.

Quantifiable outcome

• 83% of Arkansas United Methodist congregations offer ministries addressing food insecurity
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Get Loud ArkansascoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 June 2026Nonpartisan civic engagement organization founded in 2022 by former Arkansas Senator Joyce Elliott. First United Methodist Church Little Rock partners with Get Loud Arkansas to encourage voter registration and civic participation. Church members participate in text banking training and collectively sent 20,000+ text messages to help Arkansans verify voter registration status.
• Ozark Mission Project (OMP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2026Founded in 1986, OMP mobilizes youth and adult volunteers to complete home repairs and accessibility projects for individuals and families who cannot afford or physically manage the work themselves. Approximately 1,500 youth, young adults, and families participate annually, serving close to 30 counties across Arkansas. Jules Anderson named Executive Director in February 2026.
• Project Transformation ArkansascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through literacy, youth development, and leadership opportunities for young adults. Rev. Sam Meadors received inaugural Eric Lindh Award for founding and growing the program in Arkansas. Fundraising luncheons featuring broadcast journalists Donna Terrell and Craig O'Neill.
• Methodist Foundation for Arkansas (MFA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1963, MFA manages over $260 million in endowment funds and other charitable assets benefiting local churches and United Methodist ministries. MFA partners with 200,000 More Reasons initiative, providing grants to churches for local outreach efforts (51 churches received grants totaling more than $50,000).
• UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDenominational disaster response organization providing guidelines, training certification, and relief supplies. Arkansas Conference follows UMCOR protocols for Early Response Teams, Chainsaw Safety training, and disaster case management. UMCOR Sunday offering supports immediate disaster response capability.
• South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional jurisdictional body overseeing United Methodist conferences in eight states. Entered agreement with Southern Methodist University regarding Perkins School of Theology relationship. Provides connectional oversight and coordinates cross-conference mission initiatives.
• Southern Methodist University (Perkins School of Theology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading seminary preparing leaders for churches and communities. Joint statement with South Central Jurisdiction affirms shared commitment. Provides theological education opportunities and scholarship programs for Arkansas Conference clergy and lay persons.
• Arkansas VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-level coalition of volunteer organizations active in disaster response. Arkansas Conference participates through membership, coordinating relief efforts, sharing resources, and minimizing duplication of services with government agencies and other faith-based organizations.
• Newport Community Garden InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partnership supporting Newport First UMC's community garden project. Collaborates on expanding garden resources and reach in the Newport/Jackson County area.
• University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Physical Therapy ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUCA students volunteer with Salem UMC in Conway during Special Needs Vacation Bible School, providing physical therapy support to ensure every child can fully participate in VBS activities.
• First Presbyterian Church JacksonvilleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcumenical partnership providing fresh produce from community garden to Jacksonville First UMC's food ministry programs serving the local community.
• CarePortalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork connecting churches with needs identified by Arkansas Department of Human Services. Jacksonville First UMC provides beds, appliances, and essentials to families at risk of having children removed from homes.
• Asbury United Methodist ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in White Memorial UMC's bus stop feeding and literacy ministry, contributing volunteers and resources to the program.
• Lakewood United Methodist ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in White Memorial UMC's bus stop feeding and literacy ministry, contributing volunteers and resources.
• Grand Avenue United Methodist ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in White Memorial UMC's bus stop feeding and literacy ministry, contributing volunteers and resources.
• Central District Bible Boot CampminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner supporting literacy ministry at White Memorial UMC through bus stop feeding and literacy program.
• Gibbs Elementary SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal school partnership supporting White Memorial UMC's literacy program, helping distribute thousands of books to children.
• Hendrix CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate liberal arts college in Conway, AR hosting ACCYM Assembly 2026. Students sleep in residential halls and eat in the award-winning Hendrix Cafeteria during the youth event.
• Oklahoma Indian Missionary ConferenceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting cultural immersion experiences for Arkansas clergy and laity, and fostering relationships with Native American ministries across both conferences.
• UMCOR Sager Brown DepotminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUMCOR supply depot where Arkansas Conference teams can participate in mission journeys to assemble and distribute relief supplies including hygiene kits and cleaning buckets.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church: Direct peer — same denomination, overlapping South Central Jurisdiction, similar connectional structure across multiple districts, and parallel programs in disaster response, youth ministry, clergy formation, and apportionment-based funding.
• Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church: Direct peer in the same South Central Jurisdiction, sharing connectional programs with Arkansas including cross-conference Native American ministry partnerships and Perkins School of Theology ties via SMU.
• Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church: Direct peer — neighbouring UMC annual conference with similar district-based structure, apportioned funding model, and emphasis on rural church vitality and disaster response in an adjacent state geography.

Regional players

• Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas: Regional peer operating as another mainline denominational governance body in Arkansas, sharing overlap on liturgy, clergy formation, social outreach, and connectional participation in disaster response coalitions.
• Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (Arkansas District): Regional peer — another Christian denominational district structure that parallels the Conference's coordination of parishes, schools, ministerial formation, and outreach in the same Arkansas geography.

Others

• Methodist Foundation for Arkansas: Affiliated organisation rather than competitor — manages $260M+ in endowments, co-funds 200,000 More Reasons grants, and shares governance with the Conference; comparable as a peer-format faith-based endowment manager.
• Arkansas VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster): Coalition partner and ecosystem peer — the statewide disaster coordination body in which the Conference participates alongside other faith-based and nonprofit actors; comparable as a coordinating infrastructure for the same mission space.
• UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief): Strategic partner and ecosystem peer — the denomination-wide disaster response body whose protocols, training, and supplies the Conference's DR ministries follow; comparable as a faith-based disaster response infrastructure provider.

Broad incumbents

• Baptist State Convention of Arkansas: Broad incumbent — competing faith-based statewide body in Arkansas that coordinates congregational services, missions, and disaster response through a parallel structure; overlaps with the Conference on community ministry footprint.
• Catholic Diocese of Little Rock: Broad incumbent in the same Arkansas market operating parallel governance, parish support, and Catholic school formation functions; comparable as a regional denominational governance and formation organisation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/arkansasumc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/arkansasumc
• Facebookfacebook.com/arkansasumc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/arkansasumc
• Instagraminstagram.com/arkansasumc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church