The Central Conference Theological Education Fund (CCTEF) was established by the 2012 General Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC). The UMC continues to live out Charles Wesley’s vision: to “unite the pair so long disjoined – knowledge and vital piety.” Its goal is to strengthen theological education and pastoral formation in the Central Conferences in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. Funding plays a crucial role in such efforts, and General Conference 2016 approved $10 million for CCTEF from the World Service Fund.

The General Conference adopted the following categories as appropriate uses for the funding:

1. Development of theological schools
2. Development of Courses of Study
3. Development of libraries and contextually developed resources
4. Scholarships and faculty development
5. Support for associations and networks of faculty and schools
6. Support for new and innovative approaches to theological education

The Commission on Central Conference Theological Education gives priority to requests that build capacity and sustainability and that develop contextual education, resources and new/innovative initiatives.