General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

University Senate/NAAMSCU Meeting
2025-06-18 - 2025-06-20 | Detroit, Michigan, Detroit, Michigan
The University Senate of The United Methodist Church sets and maintains the standards of United Methodist-related education. Its work today is vital as senators ensure that United Methodist-related institutions are upholding the values of the church while fostering academic excellence.
The North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAAMSCU) is an association of educational institutions related to the historic Methodist and Wesleyan traditions.

2025 UMC Deacons Fall Gathering
2025-09-22 16:30 - 2025-09-24 11:30 (America/Chicago) | General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Headquarters, 1908 Grand Ave., Nashville, TN, 37212, United States
Deacons from the 2024 Fall Gathering in Atlanta
All deacons — candidates, provisional and full connection, retired, and those discerning a call to the Order — are warmly invited to attend the 2025 United Methodist Church Deacons Fall Gathering on September 22-24. This sacred time of learning, reflection and fellowship will focus on the unique identity, call and mission of the deacon within the UMC.
The gathering begins at 4 p.m. Monday, September 22, with fellowship and worship, and concludes on the morning of Wednesday, September 24, with a service of worship and sending forth. The in-person gathering is full, but the virtual option is available!
Plenary sessions will explore the evolving role of the deacon considering recent changes to the Book of Discipline following the 2020/2024 General Conference, particularly the updates concerning sacramental authority across diverse ministry contexts. Small group conversations, breakout sessions, and panel discussions will also engage with A Sacred Trust, the guiding document presented by the Study of Ministry Commission.
Additionally, we will collaborate on concrete strategies for ongoing connection throughout this quadrennium, enhancing fellowship and communication across the Order.
1 CEU available is upon request for attending this event.
REGISTER TODAY
Pre-Conference Gatherings
Two optional pre-conference sessions are scheduled for chairs of the Order of Deacons and for candidates and provisional members. These will begin at 1 p.m. Monday, September 22.
Logistics & Registration: There is no registration fee for this event. Participants are responsible for arranging for their accommodations in Nashville. A list of nearby hotels—within walking distance of the Denman Building and GBHEM offices—will be provided upon registration. A courtesy block of rooms is available at the Embassy Suites and will remain open until August 8, 2025.
September 22 Agenda (more details at registration)

1 p.m. Pre-Conference Gatherings
4 p.m. Check-in (GBHEM)
5 p.m. Opening Worship followed by dinner & fellowship

September 23 Agenda

9 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship, Morning Devotion
9:30 a.m. Plenary Discussion and Small Group Conversations: Role of Deacon and Sacrament
Noon Break for lunch (on your own)
1:30 p.m. Workshops
4 p.m. A Sacred Trust – responses and feedback for Study of Ministry
5:30 p.m. Free Evening

September 24 Agenda

9 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship, Morning Devotion
9:30 a.m. Small Group Dialogue with Deacons within Jurisdictions
10:30 a.m. Closing Worship and Sending Forth
11:30 a.m. Dismissal

World Communion Sunday
2025-10-05 | GA
World Communion Sunday celebrates the unity and diversity of the global Christian community.

GBHEM/GBGM Joint Boards of Directors Fall Meeting
2025-10-08 - 2025-10-10 | GA
The GBHEM/GBGM Boards of Directors will hold their joint fall meeting online.

Scholarship Portal Opens
2026-01-07 - 2026-03-06 | GA
Save the Date! January 7
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) scholarship application portal opens January 7 for United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. With over $4 million awarded annually, these scholarships support students in the U.S. and abroad as they prepare to lead in church and community.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPSLEARN MORE ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
