Native American Plan

Native American Partnership

Three Wisconsin United Methodist congregations in Wisconsin have a historically Native American ministry focus, namely Oneida, Odanah and Milwaukee. Through our connectional giving/apportionments, Wisconsin United Methodists help support the General Board of Discipleship, which, in turn, supports the Native American Comprehensive Plan. The Native American Comprehensive Plan seeks to equip United Methodist Native American ministries. Some of the ways this happens include:

  • Developing and supporting existing and new United Methodist Native American congregations, ministries, and fellowships
  • Developing new congregations, ministries and fellowships and enabling them to become a vital part of The United Methodist Church
  • Developing Native American leadership for service to The United Methodist Church
  • Affirming the value and strengthening the role of traditional, cultural and spiritual contributions of Native American people for the expression of Christian faith and faith development among the membership of The United Methodist Church
  • Offering the gifts of the Native American Community presence and participation at all levels of The United Methodist Church--in part by providing scholarships to attend United Methodist events with a focus on youth events
  • And, advocacy for inclusion of Native American United Methodists to serve at all levels of the church

All of these ministries and contributions are made possible by our continued faithful generosity.

About the Native American Churches

Native American Ministry, Milwaukee, WI

This 20-year-old ministry serves a multicultural, urban community. The church engages in ecumenical prayer services at Indian Summer Lake Front Festival, and the Milwaukee mid-winter Pow-wow. The Broken Arrow Recovery Group meets at the ministry.

Odanah Ministry, Odanah, WI

Odanah United Methodist ChurchThe Odanah United Methodist Church was dedicated on April 3, 1898 by A.J. Davis of the Ashland District. Its founder and first minister was Thomas C. Thomas, an ordained Ojibwa Native American from Michigan. Thomas was a member of the West Wisconsin Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was elected during his time to be a delegate to Washington DC.

The current ministry has a Friday evening Soup for the Soul prayer/study group, and participates in a community prayer ecumenical group in nearby Ashland. The church has a small elementary Sunday school and hosts several VIM groups during the summer months.

Oneida Church, De Pere, WI

The Oneida Church is close to 200 years old and the oldest church in the Conference, having brought the Methodist Societies to Wisconsin from New York. The church is open to all people as well as all Native Americans. The Oneida Church is committed to walk alongside the traditionalists, while bringing the gospel to them in a culturally sensitive way. There are 80-100 in worship every Sunday with larger gatherings on holidays and special events.

Native American Ministries Sunday

Whether it's providing shelter for victims of domestic violence, filling food pantries, starting new churches or educating Native American seminary students, this designated offering takes place as a way United Methodists honor Native Americans. 

On Native American Ministries Sunday, United Methodists cultivate and support urban missions with Native Americans, and fund scholarships for Native American seminarians. Our Wisconsin Conference retains 50 percent of the offering to strengthen and develop Native American ministries. The remaining 50 percent of the offering expands mission work with the Native American Urban Initiative and provides scholarships for Native Americans attending United Methodist and other approved schools of theology.

Native American Ministries Resources