EMBODYING THE UNITED METHODIST CONNECTIONAL SYSTEM 

GBHEM embodies the United Methodist connectional system through its inter-agency partnerships, worldwide associations, ministerial leadership support, and equitable funding strategies. We are rooted in an intercultural network of United Methodist institutions of higher learning, chaplains, religious life directors, Wesley foundations, Boards of Ordained Ministry, and ecumenical and inter-religious ministries.

STRENGTHENING THE EDUCATIONAL MISSION OF THE CHURCH

GBHEM strengthens the educational mission of the church by fostering environments of intellectual development alongside spiritual growth. Through GBHEM programs like Clinical Pastoral Education, Course of Study, the Central Conference Theological Education Fund, and the Black College Fund we support the development of Methodist scholarship and leadership around the world. 

ADDRESSING SYSTEMIC ISSUES AFFECTING CLERGY WELL-BEING  

GBHEM is addressing systemic problems contributing to the clergy wellbeing crisis in the United Methodist Church by actively engaging as collaborators in a co-creative space to identify and address ways our system can eliminate the challenges that foster unhealthy patterns for clergy.  By collaborating across the denomination to address this crisis, GBHEM will develop future programs and efforts aimed at supporting the well-being of clergy. 

ADVANCING EQUITY & BELONGING

GBHEM advances equity and belonging in every place where we have influence. We have 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities affiliated with the United Methodist Church, supported by the Black College Fund, which helps keep their doors open by providing millions of dollars in funding each year. We award an average of $5.5 million in scholarships to help students from diverse ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographical backgrounds pursue their dreams through higher education.

THE GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY 

As the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is preparing global leaders for a global church and the world. Every elder, deacon and licensed local pastor benefits from our training and candidacy programs. Many young adults find help in clarifying their vocation and God’s call on their lives through our leadership and discernment programs.

Legislation

Reducing
Repetitive Language

Encouraging
Collaboration

Clarifying
Processes & Roles

Allowing
Creative Implementation

Supporting
Ministry Partners

Changes in the world, church, academy, and our communities of faith have required GBHEM adapt to more effectively engage the needs of those we serve as well as clarify and support the work of our ministry partners.

Reports & Resources

This report from Africa University, found within the ADCA, highlights the ministry and impact of AU.

This report from the Association of United Methodist Theological Schools, found within the ADCA, highlights the ministry and impact of our 13 UM seminaries.

This report from the Commission on the Central Conference Theological Education Fund, found within the ADCA, highlights the ministry and impact of the CCTEF.

This report from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, found within the ADCA, highlights the ministry and impact of GBHEM.

This report from the Young Clergy Initiative, found within the ADCA, highlights the ministry and impact of the YCI.

The Advance Daily Christian Advocate (ADCA) contains the agenda, rules, delegate listings, petitions, reports from the general agencies/commissions and study committees, information for delegates, and codes of conduct for the General Conference. All digital volumes are available in English, French, Kiswahili, and Portuguese.

This Higher Education Primer is a foundational text for the church and the academy to continue the important conversation about what it means to be a denomination with education in its DNA.

The Social Principles serve as the UMC’s official summary of stated convictions on social issues of the day. The proposed revisions reflect the United Methodist response to today’s most pressing social issues and is pending adoption at The General Conference.

This page will be updated with additional information as it becomes available. If you have any questions regarding GBHEM’s agency reports or legislation, please contact us at communications@gbhem.org