Rittenberry , Megan Marie

Megan Marie Rittenberry is a Global Mission Fellow with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, engaged in a two-year term of service. She is part of the 2021-2023 Global Mission Fellow cohort.   

The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world.  

Megan is a member of First United Methodist Church, Bossier City, Louisiana Annual Conference. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration on applied science from Louisiana State University, Shreveport.  

From age 3, Megan grew up in The United Methodist Church. “I was an acolyte for a long time, and I loved being a part of the church in that way,” she said. “I was also very involved in our youth program.” She thought she knew what it meant to be a Christian.   

Megan went to college and participated in various small groups and ministries. She found herself deepening her relationship with Christ. It was not until she went on her first mission journey as an adult, though, that she truly felt a calling and connection.   

“I had not known that I was missing something until then,” Megan said. “I truly felt the impact of Christ. I felt as if I were being called to go out and do. I felt a purpose.”  

A few years later, a job opportunity arose at her church. “I am the administrative assistant, family life coordinator and missions liaison,” Megan said. She also volunteers with the youth and serves as an usher.  

“Once I started working at my church,” she added. “I realized that I could do so much more. While working as the missions liaison, I have found a love for missions work. There is so much opportunity to help others and share God’s love with the community and the world.   

“I want to continue to bring God’s love and the church out into the world. I want to learn and discover new ways of doing missions work. I want to be the difference and change for at least one person.”