By Brant Mills

Wesley Foundations within the Texas Annual Conference are facing changes in funding to realign their resources around new budget realities. These changes have prompted Wesley Foundations to reassess their financial strategies and seek new sources of funding.

“We took a strong look at the effectiveness of our Wesley Foundations,” Rev. Deborah Hawboldt, Director of the Center for Leadership Formation said, explaining the process the conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry (BHECM) went through for their assessment. “BHECM brought in Michael McCord from the UM Commission in Georgia to assist in evaluating the viability of our Wesley Foundations and to look at how to distribute funds most effectively.”

Michael McCord had a meeting with the boards for each Wesley Foundation where he asked questions, met with students, and read the most recent campus ministries reports submitted in July. He then interviewed each of the campus ministers, took virtual tours, and did additional research on each of the universities. McCord also surveyed District Superintendents and conference staff who oversee campus ministries.

McCord came back with recommendations and a plan for BHECM. Based on the recommendations from UM Commission, funding for all Wesley Foundations was decreased for 2024 starting in January by 25% – except SFA and A&M, which were decreased by 30%. Two of the foundations (Prairie View and U of H) were put on pause effective July 1, 2024, with plans to reassess and consider reopening them in the future. “Additionally, the board contracted with Michael McCord for coaching help for two of our most vulnerable Wesley Foundations and board development for all the Wesley Foundations,” Hawboldt noted.

Rev. Tom Teekell, Executive Director and Campus Minister of the Wesley Foundation at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) said there has been a significant evolution in fundraising strategies over the past 25 years he has worked in campus ministries. “We can’t rely solely on conference funding anymore,” Teekell continued, adding that “this sentiment reflects the broader trend among Wesley Foundations to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional sources.”

Teekell emphasized the importance of proactive fundraising efforts, the need for strategic financial planning, and active engagement with external donors. “Wesley Foundations are much more aligned with a charity non-profit model than a church, and we have to do some things differently… Long term tenures help a lot because students will build four-year relationships with people,” Teekell noted. “We get to see them almost every day and students associate the ministry with the person they develop that relationship with.”

Dr. Beverly Waddleton-Johnson who is a board member on BHECM and who serves on the TJC board remembers fondly the impact of campus ministry in her own life and believes that relationship is important.

“The Wesley Foundation was a great part of my undergraduate life when I was at Iowa State University in 1970.  When I found that, I knew I was welcome and that became my spiritual home away from home. Several friends I had for 50 years or more were result of that Wesley Foundation. In fact, I’m getting together with some of them in May.”

She said her time at the Wesley Foundation helped her spiritual formation and she hopes that every student could have that same opportunity. Dr. Waddleton-Johnson retired from her physician practice in January 2023 and says she’s still trying to be involved in things she deems precious. For that reason, she emphasized the importance of maintaining effective Wesley Foundations to provide spiritual support for students.

“For those the commission recommended shutting down, they’re working with the ministries at those campuses to help them get back to where they were effective and functioning better,” Dr. Waddleton-Johnson continued. “I told the board it would be imperative we work out a definite plan to help ensure those ministries are restored or revitalized. I think that’s a work-in-progress and a question I will continue asking about the plan. That will be something I think will be imperative that we do… I hope they can be made viable again.”

Despite the challenges, there remains a sense of determination among Wesley Foundation leaders.

Rev. Tabitha Mock, Director of Texas Southern University’s Wesley Foundation, echoes this sentiment. She shared insights into the tangible effects of budget cuts on operations.

She said they knew changes would be coming, but they didn’t know to what extent. “In the beginning I was saddened, but at the same time it gave me courage to go out and to share our story, and not be afraid to shake hands, and hand out my card, and invite people to come. It’s been kind of hard, but God is faithful,” Mock said. “Of course, when things change you don’t automatically know how it will happen or what that will look like. My board has been very supportive, and while there was a setback, I believe God always has a plan and I try to find the good in everything and not dwell on the negative.”

She emphasized the importance of connecting with external partners to sustain ministry programs and outreach efforts. “We’re working hard to build relationships,” Mock affirms. “We had to reconsider what outreach looks like… We don’t receive our monthly program stipend anymore. Everything I do at Wesley from ministry programs to outreach – we have to find sponsors for them.”

Some are Sunday school classes. “Trinity East UMC, one of our local churches, sponsored our Bible Study Alpha for the spring. They’ve partnered with us to cover all materials needed for the Bible study, including meals and anything we need for that to be successful,” Mock said.

TSU’s board members helped Mock find other ways to make ministry happen. She tapped into the Conference’s College Pastoral Internship Program to find some support. She also shared with students how important it is all the way down to practice good stewardship. “This includes how we use hand soap and paper towels. We have to be resourceful. We always made sure we turned off the lights in the building, but I had to revisit those things. Now if I said the budget for a meal was $200, students come back with a receipt for $150. They really own it and are making sure they’re present, and they’re involved. Now I feel like every Wesley student sees how important their voice is,” Mock added. “They’re stepping up to the plate and owning how important their ministry is.”

As they navigate the changing financial landscape, Wesley Foundations remain steadfast in their mission to support college students in their spiritual growth and development. Learn more about our campus ministries at: www.txcumc.org/leadership-formation/campusministry