Goal II

Recruit, enlist, prepare and retain lay and clergy leaders, educated and formed in the Wesleyan tradition, who reflect the global community and strengthen the diversity of the denomination.

Objective 1:

By 2012, increase by 10% the number of United Methodist faculty in the 13 United Methodist seminaries.

Objective 2:

By September 2008, achieve recruitment, enlistment, candidacy and/or transfer of at least 50 racial ethnic persons for ordained ministry.

Objective 3:

By 2012, increase by 20% the number of women senior pastors serving large churches with more than 1,000 members.

Objective 4:

Shape the probationary process in a manner that enhances effectiveness and fruitfulness and influences educational processes that enhance skills for forming and growing communities of faith in the Wesleyan tradition of holy conferencing, covenant discipleship, and theological development.

Objective 5:

By 2010, achieve the GBHEM objectives within the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry. (Because the National Plan is only funded through 2008, all strategies are scheduled to be completed by 2008.)

Objective 6:

By 2012, in conjunction with The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, increase by 5% ($6 million to $6.3 million) the amount of scholarship and loan funds awarded annually to undergraduate and graduate students.

Objective 7:

By 2012, increase by 20% the number of United Methodists who are ecclesiastically approved or endorsed for ministry in specialized settings.

Objective 8:

By 2012, increase by 20% the number of United Methodists who are ecclesiastically approved or endorsed for ministry in specialized settings.

Objective 9:

By 2010 increase by 20% the number of ordained deacons in full connection serving to connect the church with people at the margins in the world.

Objective 10:

By 2010, increase by 10% those received into full membership who are graduates of United Methodist seminaries.

Objective 11:

By 2008, GBHEM will provide periodic studies reflecting trends in ministry.

Objective 12:

By 2012 evaluate, maintain and further develop the Course of Study (COS) program for the education of clergy for whom seminary is not a viable option.

Objective 13:

By 2012, strengthen the system for gathering deacons, elders, and local pastors in their annual conference orders and fellowships and the programs they offer to provide support and accountability for clergy.

Objective 14:

Nurture the teaching of United Methodist history, doctrine, and polity through personnel and resources available through United Methodist theological schools.