Native Americans are located across the United States and Canada representing their unique heritage and historic contributions. Like any indigenous people groups, they have challenges and opportunities that come with their history, identification, and placement in society.
“For decades Church of God pastors, ministers, churches, and ministries have been coming alongside indigenous peoples from numerous tribes located from the Southeastern states to the far corners of the West, upper Midwest, and Canada,” stated Church of God General Overseer Gary Lewis. “The groups and individuals have made a powerful impact upon dozens of tribes and nations.”
According to Mark Swank, who is helping spearhead the effort, the goal is to broaden the scope and hopefully create more awareness of the effectiveness of these ministries. While still in the development stages, Swank envisions a coalition of Native American ministries that can mutually benefit, strategize, and promote one another, through events and seasonal observations.
The initiative is being formally announced Monday, October 12, 2026, what has become known as both Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day in the United States. Planned recognitions throughout the year will be in the spring around Easter, and a summer emphasis focusing on Vacation Bible Schools.
Initial groups on board with the initiative are Cleveland, Tennessee-based Indian Ministries of North America (IMNA), led by Johnny Hughes, and Mt. Olive Church of God; Randy Bentley, based in Lemmon, South Dakota; and Southwest Indian Ministries (S.W.I.M.) led by Michael Newcomb in Gallup, New Mexico.
Coinciding with the historical significance of Native Americans associated with Thanksgiving, November is Native American Heritage Month in the United States. The emphasis is dedicated to celebrating the profound cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. The month provides an opportunity to deepen understanding, support Native communities, acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by Native Americans, engage with educational resources, support Native-owned businesses, and participate in cultural events.
“Each ministry that has expressed support of the initiative has carved out their unique niches of groups and supporters,” Swank continued. “We look forward to the development of this coalition and what God has in store to help the Church of God be a more powerful and effective ministry toward these people, tribes, and nations.”