Strategic Plan 2009-2012

Strategic Plan 2009-2012
MISSION, VISION, CORE VALUES, AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY

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 integrity, spiritual courage, and holiness of heart and life.

Our Strategic Approach

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry assists The United Methodist Church in preparing global leaders for a global church by developing and supporting systems, institutions, and networks.

In this work, we

• focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable results.
• practice good stewardship of the church’s resources.
• leverage our efforts and resources through collaboration and partnerships.
• approach our work with constant attention to diversity and inclusiveness.
• make maximum use of both board member and staff member skills in close partnership.

Our Core Values

To fulfill this vision and mission, 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 mark our commitment to higher education and the ministry of the church.

Respect and Integrity

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

Strategic Issues

How can GBHEM expand its support of global higher education, leadership development, and theological education?

How does GBHEM articulate and strengthen the relationship between United Methodist-related schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools in the United States and The United Methodist Church?

How can GBHEM articulate, strengthen, and enhance The United Methodist Church’s commitment to campus ministry?

How does GBHEM address the need to support young people in identifying and forming their vocations as ordained Christian leaders?

What can GBHEM do to lead The United Methodist Church in clarifying and building consensus around the denomination’s ordering of ministry?

How does GBHEM enhance the effectiveness of theological education and training for The United Methodist Church?

How does GBHEM provide an efficient and cost-effective support infrastructure for the delivery of its initiatives and programs?