At nineteen years of age, Billy Britt received his call to ministry. Over the next few years, as public ministry and preaching opportunities opened up, he pursued training that would prepare him for a lifetime of pastoral service and leadership among Friends.
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In his early years, Billy found support and care from strong and faithful mentors. These formative relationships inspired him to mentor others later, encouraging and drawing out their God-given gifts. Through his pastoral care and leadership, Billy worked to build faithful and growing congregations, where the reality of God’s love, grace, and truth was revealed through the witness of Friends.

This passion for the church’s well-being led to an opportunity to serve as Yearly Meeting Superintendent for North Carolina Yearly Meeting for the next twenty years of his ministry. Billy’s creativity and desire to see others engaged in service launched several new outreach programs. Through his holistic commitment to the gospel, Friends were encouraged to deepen their spiritual lives, share their faith, and minister in ways that revealed God’s peace and justice to those most in need.
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After twenty years of pastoral ministry and twenty years as Superintendent, Billy returned to the local church as an interim minister—for another twenty years. Guiding seven different congregations through the challenges of pastoral transitions, he provided invaluable service by helping Friends during loss, grief, change, and discernment.

In the tradition of so many other faithful Friends, Billy provides a great example of giving away a life for the glory of God and the good of others. Alongside his devoted wife, Viola, and loving family, Billy invested his time, energy, gifts, and resources to help Quakers throughout North America be more vibrant, faithful, growing, and united.

The challenges facing Friends in North America are different today than in 1949when Billy Britt first heard a call to ministry. Several Yearly Meetings and Associations are now divided by conflict and a lack of unity. Membership and worship attendance for meetings and churches is generally in decline. In many regions, there are fewer resources, support, and training available for Meetings and churches and for those interested in pursuing a call to ministry.

FUM’s focus on energizing, equipping, and connecting Friends has been increasingly drawn to North America for several years now. Even as we continue our work of leadership development, communication, holistic evangelical, and building partnerships around the globe, we recognize that North America is a primary mission field. In our divided culture, many people seek a beloved community to find a home and a sense of belonging. Though many in our culture no longer describe themselves as “religious,” a yearning for an authentic and transforming spiritual experience is what many seek. Finding ways to engage in meaningful service would ease the struggle to find hope and meaning.
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Though these are challenging days for the church, FUM believes the dynamic message and life Friends offer are just what the world needs. Partnering with our Yearly Meetings and Associations, FUM is committed to supporting and resourcing local congregations in ways that lead to their flourishing and faithfulness. We are committed to identifying and nurturing effective ministers who will serve and lead Quaker communities among pastoral fellowships. Among pastoral and unprogrammed Friends, we commit to providing training for ministers and leaders who wish to give their lives to build up and serve their faith communities and other Quaker organizations.

Believing God is calling us to more faithful work in the US and Canada, FUM announces the launch of the Billy M. Britt Fund for North American Ministries. We honor Billy for his service, inspiring example, and shared passion for a vibrant Quaker community and witness.
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Building on the programs and projects already underway, we plan to develop sustainable and effective emerging ministries to support and resource our local and Yearly Meetings. Central to these efforts will be programs that resonate with Billy’s heart for leadership development, spiritual formation, congregational vitality, growth, and unity among Friends.

Gifts to the Billy M. Britt Fund will enable FUM to better energize, equip, and connect Friends congregations in this region of the world. Current and emerging ministries will focus on leadership development, congregational growth and vitality, cultivating generosity, and deepening the unity and faithfulness among Friends throughout North America.

As donors express interest in establishing an endowed fund, we will structure gifts to meet both our short and long-term ministry needs.