“The world is my parish.” — John Wesley
Ministry Beyond the Church Doors
Not all United Methodist clergy serve in congregations. Through the United Methodist Endorsing Agency (UMEA), part of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), bishops appoint clergy to specialized ministries that reach far beyond the local church.
Diverse and Meaningful Roles
More than 500 United Methodist clergy endorsed by UMEA are answering God’s call in diverse and meaningful ways. These chaplains, pastoral counselors, life coaches and spiritual care providers serve in places where the church’s presence is deeply needed — military bases, hospitals, prisons, counseling centers, truck stops and more.
Contact UMEA
- Email umea@gbhem.org
- Connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/umc.umea
Sacred Gift in the World
Their ministry is a sacred gift of the church to the world, offered in the name of Jesus Christ. It is a living expression of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah:
“… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” —Genesis 12:3
Whether offering comfort in crisis, guidance in uncertainty or simply being a faithful presence in unexpected places, endorsed clergy embody the church’s mission to bring hope and healing where needed, alleviate human suffering and develop transformational leaders.
Where Endorsed Clergy Serve
Endorsed United Methodist clergy extend their ministry into diverse and impactful settings, including:
- Community outreach and counseling centers
- Correctional chaplaincy
- Corporate and industrial chaplaincy
- Disaster and crisis care
- Healthcare chaplaincy (hospitals, hospices and mental health facilities
- Law enforcement and fire departments
- Life coaches
- Military chaplaincy
- Volunteer chaplaincy (Civil Air Patrol, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Volunteer State Guard)
Endorsement for Specialized Military
Many institutions, governmental, corporate and nonprofit, require formal endorsement to certify clergy for spiritual care roles. The United Methodist Endorsing Agency (UMEA), identifies, endorses and supports clergy across the United States. Outside the United States, endorsement is managed by annual conferences.
UMEA Helps Identify Clergy Who Are
- Deeply rooted in United Methodist tradition
- Called to serve
- Professionally qualified
- Ecclesiastically authorized for ministry in specialized settings
UMEA maintains active dialogue with partner organizations to strengthen the quality of care and represent the church’s interests. While respecting the authority of these partners, UMEA retains its distinct identity and authority to speak on behalf of the church in endorsement matters.
UMEA Director
As the church’s official representative, the director of the United Methodist Endorsement Agency, the Rev. Dr. Kent A. Lundy, communicates with employers about ministerial roles, professional standards and clergy integrity, ensuring endorsed clergy are supported and equipped to serve faithfully. Contact the Rev. Dr. Lundy at umea@gbhem.org.
“… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” — Genesis 12:3
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