Luton joins GBHEM staff

Luton will develop international systems of theological education to provide clergy leaders in all annual/central conferences and emerging churches. She will consult with the Council of Bishops, Order of Elders, and Boards of Ordained Ministry to help interpret the need for an educated clergy, facilitate Disciplinary process questions, and aid in the development of the Order of Elders.

“We are certainly encouraged by Beth’s enthusiasm and welcoming personality and believe those gifts will complement the skills and experience she brings to our work,” Del Pino said in announcing her appointment, which was approved by Bishop G. Lindsey Davis, North Georgia Annual Conference.

For the past 10 years, Luton was a senior staff program administrator at Candler School of Theology. She was the director of the Office of Church Ministries Education, including the Course of Study for local pastors and continuing education for clergy and laity. Her duties at GBHEM will include managing the ongoing development of the Course of Study program in cooperation with the Course of Study directors and the Division of Ordained Ministry, reviewing the United Methodist Studies program, and supporting and training teachers to maintain the quality of United Methodist Studies programs in non-United Methodist seminaries.

“Both her Candler experience and her previous work serving churches in various programmatic and pastoral leadership roles give her an understanding of seminary education and accreditation as well as a deep knowledge of the polity and workings of the church at all levels,” Del Pino said.

In addition, she will have assignments related to the implementation of the GBHEM Strategic Plan, especially aligning and strengthening the relationship of UM-related seminaries and theological schools to the Course of Study to address the need for improvement of the educational rigorousness of the Course of Study program across the denomination.

Luton will report to the Rev. Mary Ann Moman, associate general secretary of the Division of Ordained Ministry. She will be working with the Rev. Dr. Robert Kohler, the current assistant general secretary, who will retire in December 2008.

Within the Regional Course of Study, Luton was responsible for five extension centers for part-time local pastors throughout the Southeast during her tenure at Candler. In the area of continuing education, she directed the Lay Theology Institute and developed various other programs including Covenant Colleagues, March Preaching Fellowship, and the Holy Land Pilgrimage for Spiritual Formation. She worked with the Council of Course of Study directors to strengthen the educational program of the church.

She has served on both the conference board and district Committee on Ordained Ministry.

Luton received her M.Div. from Candler School of Theology. She also has certification in Spiritual Formation from the Academy of Spiritual Formation, certification in Christian Education from Candler, and certification as a Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator.