GBHEM.org Has New Look, Fresh Content

“Our new ‘face’ is part of the churchwide, grassroots effort to literally make use of the connection by linking United Methodist Church sites and providing a seamless, cohesive experience for seekers,” said the Rev. Jerome King Del Pino, general secretary of the Board.

The new four-column design allows more space for displaying up-to-date information on our home page. The site has a more logical arrangement that is easier to navigate, as well as a much-improved search engine. New features include a publications page, a calendar, and profiles of United Methodists serving in various ministries.

“We are developing new, more visual, and more accessible content that will better serve to explain, promote, and carry out the Board’s mission on behalf of the church,” said Terri Hiers, executive director, Office of Interpretation. Hiers led the core team that worked on the redesign. In addition to Hiers, Vicki Brown, Shelly Stem, Meg Lassiat, Gerlinda Roland, Ken Bedell, Marilyn Dunnaway, and Saul Espino served on the core team.

This is especially important as a part of the Board’s efforts to develop young clergy, since Generation X and Millennials rely on the Internet for information, communication, and community.

The new site’s architecture was designed by Hot Studio, based on feedback and input from users about how they use the site and what their needs are. This approach makes the site more easily accessible and logical.

Also, GBHEM has closely collaborated with other church agencies in developing and implementing the new system, working with United Methodist Communications and the General Board of Discipleship to share designs and features for the Web.

GBHEM leads and serves The United Methodist Church in educating, nurturing, and preparing leaders for the church and the world. The Board’s mission includes inviting, equipping, and supporting faithful and effective spiritual leaders – from helping young people discern God’s call to providing support and accountability for practicing clergy. GBHEM also supports 109 United Methodist-related schools, colleges, universities, and 13 theological schools. Scholarships and loans administered by the Board help United Methodist students further their education.

In addition to the new design, new navigation, and improved search tool, staff are examining ways to use the Internet to better and more nimbly serve our constituencies, including e-newsletters, the online candidacy application system, and online student loan repayments.

*Brown is an associate editor and writer in the Office of Interpretation, United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.