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The Central Conference Theological Education Fund (CCTEF) awarded $992,594 in grants to support theological education across The United Methodist Church. During its spring 2026 meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, commissioners reviewed $3.9 million in funding requests and made awards from a total allocation of $1.03 million. The final grant list was released in August.

Kathleen Norris writes about her students’ reflections on silence. Silence is sometimes scary. To hold silence is to let go of control. Sometimes we do not know what will follow after silence

The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Wilson remembers the moment she recognized her call — even as she tried to resist it. Ordained in the first class of the Order of Deacons in The United Methodist Church, Wilson reflects on a ministry shaped by faith, music, and a deep commitment to service that has carried her across the globe.

The School of Mission for Young People (SMYP) brought together more than 30 leaders in the UMC to engage in conversations and experiences around mission in Asia.

Last May, I had the honor of leading a group of chaplains and campus ministers on El Camino de Santiago in Spain. The experience was life-changing for all participants. After we completed El Camino, I took a few days off to meet my sisters in Barcelona for a weekend together. While there, I visited La Sagrada Familia Basilica. Being in and around the building was a deep spiritual experience.

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) continues its commitment to cultivate future church leaders through the Young Clergy Initiative (YCI) Vocational Discernment Grant Fund, a program designed to help individuals listen, discern, and respond to God's call to vocational ministry. Established by General Conference in 2012, the Young Clergy Initiative was created to increase the number of young clergy, under age 35, serving across United Methodist jurisdictions in the United States.

A new grant program, the Ministry Support Fund, to support clergy care, leadership development, and conference ministries was announced August 19 during the Boards of Ordained Ministry (BOM) Mid-Quadrennial Training held in Atlanta. The initiative was created by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the General Board of Global Ministries to help annual conferences address emerging needs related to licensed and ordained ministry. 

Grounded in Jesus' promise of abundant life in John 10, members of boards of ordained ministry met Aug. 17-19 for the Mid-Quadrennial Gathering to explore how clergy formation, spiritual development and well-being can equip the next generation of United Methodist leaders for faithful and sustainable ministry.

Standing in a crowded communion line as a college student, the Rev. Sharon Rubey encountered the moment that would shape her ministry, and her understanding of the role of a deacon.

For the Rev. Joaquin Garcia, the call to ministry has never been about a title, position, or appointment. It has always been about responding to need. “Ministry is essentially a response to real needs,” Garcia said, a conviction that has guided his life for decades. Another lesson he carries came from a former church leader who reminded him, “There is enough need in the world to go around.”