Central United Methodist Church

What Central United Methodist Church does

Central United Methodist Church is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit religious congregation founded in 1832 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and operating as part of the United Methodist Church's Arkansas Conference. With 51-100 employees and a near-200-year continuous history, Central serves members across every life stage through a cradle-to-grave ministry model. Its core offerings include two Sunday worship services (Contemporary at 9 a.m. in the Central Activities Center and Classic at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary), a full Next Gen Ministries program spanning Central Littles, Central Kids K-6, and Central Youth 7-12, a licensed preschool and daycare operation called Central Children's Academy (established 1978), and the U of A Wesley Foundation college ministry at the University of Arkansas. Community-facing programs include food pantries, weekly community meals, and partnership-based missions and outreach.

Central operates across three physical locations: the main Dickson Street campus in the heart of Fayetteville featuring the 1953 New England Colonial Sanctuary rebuilt after two fires in 1969-1971, the Central on Garland satellite campus near I-49 focused on neighborhood food security, and the U of A Wesley Foundation facility opened on the University of Arkansas campus in 2016. Significant capital assets include the 32,500 sq ft Student Ministries Building with 215-space parking deck completed in 2008, a $1.5M Buzard pipe organ installed in 2019, and multiple education and administrative buildings. The church has spawned multiple new congregations across its history, including the most recent Genesis Church (launched 2014, spun off as independent in 2023).

The church's revenue model is diversified across multiple giving streams: weekly tithes and offerings, an annual giving campaign each November, electronic recurring giving via PushPay, designated gifts for missions and Next Gen, planned and endowment giving administered through the Methodist Foundation of Arkansas, stock and asset gifts including QCDs from IRAs, Children's Academy tuition fees, and mobile giving via Cash App. Technology infrastructure is built on standard church-sector SaaS — Ekklesia 360 for the website, CCB for member management, YouTube for livestream of both worship services, AWeber for the weekly e-newsletter, and Clearstream for SMS communications. There is no proprietary technology stack and no disclosed AI/ML capabilities. The church is governed by a Church Council, Board of Trustees, Finance Council, and Staff Parish Relations Committee, with clergy appointed through the Arkansas Conference; current senior leadership is Rev. Jennie Williams (Senior Pastor) and Rev. Dr. Chase Burns (Executive Pastor and Garland Campus Pastor), both appointed in July 2023.

Name

Central United Methodist Church

Legal name

Central United Methodist Church

Website

https://centraltolife.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1832

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Central United Methodist Church is a 190-plus-year-old United Methodist congregation in Fayetteville, Arkansas, serving members across all life stages through two worship services, age-tiered education programs, a licensed preschool, college ministry, and community food and outreach ministries across three physical locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Community Food Services (62421)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Faith-Based Childcare Centers (EDACAAAN), Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)

Keywords

• Religious worship services
• Christian education programs
• Community outreach services
• Childcare preschool services
• College ministry programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Fayetteville, AR

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Tithes and Offerings: Primary revenue stream from congregation members giving weekly or recurring donations during worship services, either in-person or via offering plates
2. Annual Giving Campaign: Annual commitment campaign each November where members covenant with God to support the church through prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Supports operating budget including administration, debt payments, facility maintenance, ministries, personnel, and shared ministries.
3. Electronic Giving (PushPay): Online giving platform allowing recurring gifts via PushPay third-party provider, with options for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly contributions
4. Designated Gifts: Special gifts for specific purposes: Capital Contingency Memorial, Missions, Next Gen - Littles/Kids/Youth, Good Sam Families, U of A Wesley Centennial. Encouraged as additions to annual giving.
5. Planned/Endowment Giving: Planned giving vehicles including wills, trusts, retirement accounts, life insurance designations. Established endowments: Elcan Youth Endowment, Meadors-McNeal Children's Endowment, Rupert Special Event Endowment, Ministerial Student Scholarship Endowment, Music Scholarship Fund.
6. Stock and Asset Gifts: Donations of appreciated securities, real estate, and other assets. Stock transfers via Charles Schwab account. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs.
7. Central Children's Academy Fees: Revenue from weekday, year-round childcare services and preschool programs operated by the nonprofit entity established by the church in 1978
8. Cash App Giving: Mobile giving option via Cash App using church's $Cashtag ($CUMCFay)

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Central United Methodist Church operates as a multi-campus United Methodist congregation delivering in-person and livestreamed contemporary and classic worship services, faith formation programs from infancy through adulthood, a licensed weekday preschool and childcare program (Central Children's Academy), and community missions including food pantries, community meals, and outreach partnerships. The church's primary services are Sunday worship, small group ministry, age-tiered Sunday school, college ministry through the U of A Wesley Foundation, and community assistance programs serving Northwest Arkansas.

Product overview

Central United Methodist Church operates as a multi-campus United Methodist congregation offering in-person and online worship services, educational programs for all ages, and community outreach ministries. The church's core offerings include two worship styles (Contemporary at 9 a.m. and Classic at 11 a.m. on Sundays), Next Gen Ministries serving children and youth, Central Children's Academy (a licensed preschool and childcare program), the U of A Wesley Foundation college ministry, and extensive missions and outreach programs including food pantries and community meals. The church also operates a satellite campus (Central on Garland) and provides adult education through various Sunday school classes and small groups.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Genesis Church: Former satellite campus launched in 2014 focused on homeless and disadvantaged populations; became independent in 2023
• U of A Wesley Foundation
• Central Children's Academy
• We Are Nourished Food Pantry
• Sunday Supper

Products and services

• Contemporary Worship Service A modern worship service held Sundays at 9 a.m. in the Central Activities Center (CAC), featuring contemporary music led by a praise band under the direction of Logan Anderson and David Williams, available both in-person and via online livestream. Open to congregants and visitors.
• Classic Worship Service A traditional worship service held Sundays at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary featuring United Methodist liturgy, hymns, and the Chancel Choir under Director Scott Montgomery, available both in-person and via online livestream.
• Next Gen Ministries Family-focused ministry program serving children aged 0 to 18, including Central Littles (early childhood), Central Kids (K-6th grade), and Central Youth (7th-12th grade), with Sunday School, Club K6 Wednesday programming, youth small groups, and special events.
• Central Children's Academy A nonprofit weekday, year-round childcare and preschool program offering two, three, or five-day care options, licensed by the State of Arkansas and Level Three certified by Better Beginnings, serving Northwest Arkansas families with paid tuition.
• U of A Wesley Foundation College Ministry College-aged ministry serving University of Arkansas students from graduation through mid-20s with Sunday school, fellowship events, Welcome Weeks, intramurals, Tuesday dinners, and campus outreach, operating from a dedicated facility opened on the U of A campus in 2016.
• Missions and Outreach Ministries Local and global mission programs including Community Meals (free meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays), Good S.A.M. assistance ministries, support for refugees through Canopy NWA, and partnerships with organizations including Beer & Hymns of Northwest Arkansas, Children's Safety Center of Washington County, New Beginnings NWA, HUB of Hope, Magdalene Serenity House, Pathway to Freedom, and Caden's Calling.
• Central on Garland Campus A satellite campus near I-49 in Fayetteville offering the We Are Nourished Food Pantry (Wednesdays 3:30-7:30 PM), Sunday Supper community meals (Sundays at 3:30 PM), and ComMunity Pantry for neighborhood engagement and food security.
• Adult Ministries Adult education and fellowship including Sunday school classes (The Circle, Asbury, The Bridge, The Forum, 20s/30s), small groups (Connections Women's Bible Study, Faith & Finances, Inclusive Connections), United Women of Faith groups, and United Methodist Men.
• Central Littles Early childhood ministry for infants through preschoolers using Frolic curriculum from Sparkhouse, featuring age-appropriate play, prayers, storytelling, music, and rituals during the Sunday school hour.

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist ChurchcoreOthersCentral UMC is part of the Arkansas Conference, connected to the global United Methodist Church denomination. The conference organizes Methodist churches in Arkansas and provides shared resources, training, and mission connections. Central's pastors are appointed through the conference.
• Beer & Hymns of Northwest ArkansasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMinistry Partner bringing people together to raise glasses, raise voices, and raise funds for organizations that change the world. Central is a proud ministry partner of this community event.
• Children's Safety Center of Washington CountyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMinistry Partner empowering children to overcome abuse and begin to trust, hope, and heal. Central supports this organization helping children in Washington County.
• New Beginnings NWAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBridge housing community helping Northwest Arkansas end homelessness. Central is a proud ministry partner supporting this housing initiative.
• Canopy NWAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCentral contributes monthly to Canopy NWA which assists refugee families for up to 5 years after arrival, offering programs to help families thrive in the community.
• HUB of HopeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner mobilizing communities to improve response to victims of human trafficking, providing healing, opportunities, prevention, and education for communities.
• Magdalene Serenity HouseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLong-term supportive care for women paroling from local correction centers. Central contributes financially and hosts meetings in facilities.
• Pathway to FreedomminorGTM or Marketing Partner18-month pre-release residential program through Arkansas Department of Correction with 12 additional months of mentoring. Central contributes financially and through in-person visits.
• Caden's CallingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNon-profit organization helping mental health patients with funding to receive care. Central supports this organization founded by the Blaschke family.
• U of A Wesley FoundationcoreOthersPartnership with Arkansas Conference for college ministry at University of Arkansas. Central opened Wesley Foundation facility on campus in 2016. Serves college students through Welcome Weeks, fellowship, intramurals, and campus outreach.
• Community Meals MinistrycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMinistry providing free nutritious meals several days a week to community members in need. Meals prepared and served on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Central. Core community outreach program.
• Good S.A.M. (Good Samaritan Assistance Ministries)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors outreach including Community Kid's Closet (clothing drives), Good S.A.M. Families (supporting needy school families), and Good S.A.M. Pantry (food collection for CEO).
• Methodist Foundation of ArkansasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDedicated to helping people create and administer permanent charitable endowment funds to strengthen Methodist ministry in Arkansas. Provides estate planning resources and tools.
• Mt. Sequoyah AssemblyminorOthersHistoric Methodist retreat center established 1920 with support from Central Church. Became separate nonprofit in 2016, continuing as spiritual renewal asset to Fayetteville.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• St. Luke's United Methodist Church: Large United Methodist congregation with multi-campus operations, contemporary and traditional worship, weekday preschool, and broad community service programs—analogous structure and ministries.
• The Woodlands United Methodist Church: Large multi-campus United Methodist congregation with contemporary and traditional worship services, extensive children's and youth programming, and significant community outreach—directly comparable in operational scope.
• Highland Park United Methodist Church: Major United Methodist congregation known for historic sanctuary, multiple worship styles, comprehensive age-segmented programming, preschool operations, and extensive missions—similar operating profile at a larger scale.
• Church of the Resurrection: The largest United Methodist Church in the United States, operating a multi-campus model with extensive programming across all age groups, paralleling Central's multi-generational ministry structure.
• North Point Community Church: Large multi-campus community church with contemporary worship, children's programming, online streaming, and digital-first engagement—parallel multi-campus operational model.
• Christ United Methodist Church: Multi-campus United Methodist church with contemporary and traditional services, family ministry, preschool, missions, and community outreach—comparable programming across all age groups.
• Cross Point Church: Multi-site community church with contemporary worship, family ministry, missions, and digital streaming—comparable multi-campus and multi-generational programming approach.

Regional players

• First United Methodist Church of Fayetteville: Closest geographic UMC peer in Fayetteville, Arkansas, operating as another historic downtown congregation with comparable worship, education, and outreach programming in the same local market.
• Woodland United Methodist Church: Regional United Methodist congregation with similar worship, Sunday school, youth, and missions programming—directly comparable in denomination and operational structure.
• Sequoyah United Methodist Church: Nearby United Methodist congregation in the Fayetteville/Northwest Arkansas area, comparable in denomination affiliation, traditional worship model, and community-scale ministry focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@centralfayetteville
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/central-united-methodist-church-fayetteville

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Central United Methodist Church