On Sunday, March 22, Bishop Dease announced 2026-2027 conference year appointments. Among them, is a new role for Rev. Doreen Smalls. In addition to continuing her ministry as the Regional Vice President at the Foundation in a part-time capacity, beginning July 1, 2026, Rev. Smalls will also serve as pastor for M.L. Harris UMC in Columbus, Georgia. She will continue in her dual role with the Foundation as Director of Lending until June 30, 2026.  Today we offer our congratulations to her and give thanks for her ministry in South Georgia and with the Foundation. Read more about the work Rev. Smalls has done in South Georgia and her perspective on what the Foundation provides. 

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As a faith-based financial institution, the Georgia United Methodist Foundation uniquely understands the needs and focus of Methodist institutions and how to serve them. Our Regional Vice President and Director of Lending, Rev. Doreen Smalls, concentrates her efforts and ministry throughout South Georgia.

Helping churches understand the value of what the Foundation offers, and how it can help churches and individuals meet and manage financial goals, is a big part of what Rev. Smalls does. She explains that the Foundation is a ministry that exists to help churches with their mission through lending, investing, certificates, legacy planning, and education. Beyond the product offering, Rev. Smalls conveys that the Foundation’s faith-based financial solutions are not only competitive with traditional financial institutions, but in certain situations even better. There is one key differentiator though, as Rev. Smalls states, “Unlike traditional financial lending institutes, we pour back into our local churches. We are one ministry serving another ministry.”

Rev. Smalls makes the most of church visits to further illuminate how the Foundation works and demystifies any preconceived notions about churches or individuals stepping into a relationship with the Foundation. Some of her key points are:

• The Foundation is available to all Methodist affiliated churches
• Substantial financial resources are not a requirement to enter a partnership with the Foundation
• The Foundation offers training and education in addition to products and services 
• The Foundation is not a business but a ministry
• We can assist you as you walk through the path of stewardship
• Churches’ partnerships with the Foundation enables us to offer scholarships to United Methodist students.

Building relationships with Methodist affiliated churches is at the base of the Foundation’s purpose. Most frequently, churches request education on endowments, investments, stewardship, or the overall ministry of the Foundation. Often, Rev. Smalls is invited as a guest preacher during Sunday services, to speak at Wednesday Night Supper or at committee meetings. Participating in the life of the church through these events highlights how the church and the Foundation are interwoven. 

The Foundation’s purpose truly is your mission. In South Georgia and across Georgia we are here and ready to help you learn, grow, plan, and thrive into the future.