GBHEM recently partnered with the Methodist School of Theology in São Paulo, Brazil to host an event for 87 Brazilian candidates for ministry, most between ages 17 to 25, in the Methodist Church in Brazil. POV or Programa de Orientação Vocacional (Vocational Orientation Program) is an annual event that opens the school of theology to the candidates, introducing them to the faculty and staff, school structures and academic procedures, while emphasizing the focus on spiritual life and encouraging participants to listen, discern and respond to God’s call for their lives.

GBHEM and AUMTS co-hosted an academic theological colloquy, “Missio Dei and the United States: Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness” November 12-15, 2017, in Boston, bringing together more than 40 United Methodist scholars and seven United Methodist bishops from across the U.S. to engage in constructive dialogue that will open new pathways in our understanding and faithful practice of the Missio Dei.

GBHEM announced the appointment of Rev. Mark Hanshaw, Ph.D., J.D., as associate general secretary of the Division of Higher Education, effective February 1, 2018.

Exploration is a biennial, three-day event for young adults to listen, discern, and respond to God’s call to ordained ministry and to explore their gifts for service as a deacon or elder in The United Methodist Church. This event, hosted by GBHEM, guides students as they discern their call from God to become leaders in the church.

The Publishing Office at GBHEM, leadership development agency for the denomination, announced the release of a new book, “Preaching Methodist Theology & Biblical Truth: Classic Sermons of C. K. Barrett” edited by Ben Witherington III. The book introduces readers to Barrett, a masterful biblical scholar and gifted preacher who never lost touch with his Wesleyan heritage.

The African Association of United Methodist Theological Institutions (AAUMTI) and the African Association of Methodist Institutions of Higher Education (AAMIHE) recently held a joint meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire with the goal of creating greater synergies, mutual support and cross-promotion to enhance and expand access to quality Methodist education throughout the continent of Africa.

The Publishing Office of GBHEM announced the release of a new book, “Encoding Methodism: Telling and Re-Telling Narratives of Wesleyan Origins.” In this work, Ted A. Campbell offers a comprehensive and critically documented account of the founding of Methodism and the distinctive identity of the religious community.

Alexis Bazydola and Paul Tribble are recipients of the Rev. Dr. Karen Layman Gift of Hope Scholarship and examples of the why the investment in the education and development of our future leaders is a priority for GBHEM. The scholarship is one of 70+ administered by the Office of Loans and Scholarships at GBHEM.

The Rule 2 Grant is designed to support collegiate ministry groups, local churches, districts, conferences or other groups affiliated with The United Methodist Church and serving college/university students. Rule 2 is administered by GBHEM through the office of Collegiate Ministry.

The Publishing Office at GBHEM, leadership development agency for the denomination, announced the release of a new book, “Introduction to Theology for Ministry” by Elaine A. Robinson. This book is ideal for teaching students the foundational beliefs of Christianity.

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Board of Directors confirmed the agency’s strategic direction toward a center for leadership formation and development at its August board meeting.

The E-Reader Project is a joint program of GBHEM and Discipleship Ministries. The two agencies, along with the African Association of United Methodist Theological Institutions (AAUMTI), led a one-day e-reader training this summer in Liberia at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Monrovia.