Purpose

The Great Plains Conference Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) raises awareness about the many positive contributions of Native American persons to both the church at large and our communities. 

What does the CONAM do?

CONAM seeks to develop relationships with Native communities and individuals throughout the conference to ensure their voices are heard and needs are identified. Each congregation in the Great Plains has an opportunity to be a part of this ministry effort.

What can my congregation do?

There are several ways a congregation can get involved in furthering the mission of the CONAM. Here are a few ideas:

• Participate in Native American Ministries Sunday – find ways to create awareness during the service with a speaker, special music, invite a member of your congregation with Native heritage to share something about their culture, incorporate a video or story into that day’s message.
• Learn more about NAMS and make a donation through UMC Giving →
• Lead a book study – There are great resources available for a multi-part book study. Visit the CONAM website for book recommendations. These may be purchased with a CONAM grant. Download the Book Studies (PDF)
• Land Acknowledgement – Learn more about the indigenous people that historically lived in your churches area and acknowledge them during a service or special event. Download Example Land Acknowledgement (PDF) prepared for the Great Plains Conference. Find more information about whose land on which your church/home stands here: www.native-land.ca          

What resources are available?

The Great Plains CONAM administers a grant program that utilizes a portion of the offerings collected on Native American Ministries Sunday – one of the special offerings collected each year by the United Methodist Church. The grants are available to support any existing or new ministry effort that aligns with the CONAMs purpose. Grant application (PDF) Examples of past grant funded projects include:

• Lay leadership training events for Native American ministries;
• honoraria for speakers/presenters/native musicians for Native American events;
• travel expenses for Native lay leaders and clergy to attend annual conferences;
• community gardens and other cultural programs that outreach to Native communities. 

Native Congregations in the Great Plains

We have two active congregations that are part of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference located within the geographic area of the Great Plains Conference. The CONAM actively seeks to develop relationships with these congregations and support their ministries.
Learn more about these congregations →