Overview

One of the major goals of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Strategic Plan is to “reach young people to assist and support them in identifying and forming their vocations as Christians for leadership in the global church and the world.” At the same time, we also support those who have felt God calling them for many years, but only recently felt able to answer that call.

Church and society in such a time of exponential change cry out for leaders with convicted moral and spiritual courage, excellence in preparation and training, and a compelling sense of mission or call. A time of transition, if not crisis, is one of the hardest times to be a leader.

Wherever you are on your journey, we hope the articles, resources, links to related Web sites, and publications highlighted on these pages will help you explore and answer God’s call. This section on exploring ministry will offer information about the types of ministry, where and to whom you can look for guidance, questions to consider, and links to where to purchase helpful resources such as Answering God’s Call for Your Life.

If you are considering the path of an elder, deacon, local pastor, or chaplain, you will find descriptions of the work, the educational requirements, and the steps into ministry.

God’s call never ceases! A growing sense of vocation always leads to more satisfying and effective life choices, and the need for Christian leaders never ends. Join with GBHEM as we envision a “new generation of Christian leaders who commit boldly to Jesus Christ and are characterized by intellectual excellence, moral integrity, spiritual courage, and holiness of heart and life,” and a sense of vocational fulfillment.