Strategic Plan 2006-2012

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.

VISION STATEMENT

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.

OUR CORE VALUES

We claim the vision of United Methodists to “spread scriptural holiness across the lands.” Therefore, GBHEM commits to leading the global United Methodist Church in forming Christian leaders who boldly commit to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

To fulfill this calling and realize this vision, GBHEM leads the church in understanding its distinctiveness as a connected, disciplined, and covenantal people, its forms and practice of ministry, and its institutions of higher learning to enable the making of loving disciples who call and assist the culture to value freedom, responsibility, justice, peace, health, and wholeness for all persons.

Thus, GBHEM affirms the following core values.

Partnership in Ministry

Local congregations and annual conferences, central conferences and higher education institutions are our partners in ministry.

 

Theological Reflection and Discourse

The practice of theological reflection and dialogue is a source and expression of faithful discipleship in the context of both ministry and cultural life as a contribution to public discourse.

 

Loving God with Our Hearts and Minds

Intellectual pursuit and compassion inform, enrich, and energize education, leadership, global citizenship, evangelism, and other expressions of loving discipleship.

 

Connectionalism

A United Methodist ethos and practice define our identity in the context of our work within the global community.

 

Stewardship and Accountability

Careful and efficient use of all the resources entrusted to us embodies our commitment to accountable stewardship.

 

Inclusiveness, Diversity, and Access

Inclusiveness, diversity, and access for all persons mark our commitment to higher education and the ministry of the church, in accordance with the Book of Discipline.

 

Respect and Integrity

Integrity, respect, responsiveness, and professionalism characterize our life and work.