About GBHEM
A passion for excellence in higher education and in ministry has always been a part of our Wesleyan heritage. Since its earliest days, our church has attempted to provide training and support for those who are called into professional ministry and to provide access to church-related higher education to all who desire it. Concern for those areas of our common life led The United Methodist Church to create the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM). It operates on behalf of The United Methodist Church to prepare and assist those whose ministry in Christ is exercised through ordination or the diaconate and to provide general oversight and care for United Methodist institutions of higher education.
In response to the gospel's commission to "go ye therefore and teach," American Methodism has founded more than 1,200 institutions of higher education, among them some of the country's great colleges, universities, and theological seminaries.
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is organized into two program divisions (Higher Education and Ordained Ministry). GBHEM also has three offices (Interpretation, Loans and Scholarships, and Administration). The chief administrative officer is the general secretary.
GBHEM is located at
1001 19th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
GBHEM’s mailing address is
P.O. Box 340007
Nashville, TN 37203-0007
Telephone: 615-340-7400
Our Mission
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry leads and serves The United Methodist Church in the recruitment, preparation, nurture, education, and support of Christian leaders - lay and clergy - for the work of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Our Vision
A new generation of Christian leaders who commit boldly to Jesus Christ and are characterized by intellectual excellence, moral and spiritual courage, and holiness of heart and life.
