General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

World Communion Sunday
2025-10-05 | Illinois
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 | Illinois
The GBHEM/GBGM Boards of Directors will hold their joint fall meeting online.

Scholarship Portal Opens
2026-01-07 - 2026-03-06 | Illinois
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 SCHOLARSHIPS

GRASP Scholarship Application Deadline
2026-03-06 | Illinois
The International Grants and Scholarships (GRASP) Program for international students application portal closes on March 6. This is a competitive, need-based scholarship for United Methodist students enrolled in a college, seminary or university. Learn more about the GRASP scholarship.

U.S. Scholarship Application Portal Closes
2026-03-06 | Illinois
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) scholarship application portal closes on March 6 for United Methodist students seeking scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study at colleges, universities and seminaries in the United States. Potential scholarships awarded range from $500 to $1,200, on average. Learn more about scholarships for studying at U.S. schools.
The case-sensitive program key is GBHEMScholarships.

The GBHEM Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award
2026-03-20 08:00 - 2026-04-17 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Illinois
PHoto by UMNews
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is accepting nominations for its 2026 Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award. This annual award honors faculty members at United Methodist-related schools, colleges, and universities who have shown exceptional teaching, leadership, and dedication to value-centered education. Nominations are due Friday, April 17.

The award selection criteria include

Proven excellence as a teacher
Recognized service to students and a commitment to education
Record of significant contributions to the scholarly life of nominating college or university

Nominations must include

A letter from the chief academic officer highlighting the candidate’s specific qualifications for this award
The candidate’s CV

Each nomination/PDF file must be named in this manner: Institution’s initials, faculty member’s first initial, and last name. Example: SMU DSmith UMTOY 2026

Email nominations and/or questions to Dr. Crystal E. Banks by Friday, April 17.

Wespath Training for UMEA Clergy
2026-04-22 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual Webinar
Learn about unique pension challenges for endorsed clergy and how to handle them from Wespath Benefits and Investments, a general agency of The United Methodist Church.
Register Here

UMEA Endorsement 101 Webinar
2026-04-23 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Webinar
Learn about the many meaningful ways to serve in settings such as healthcare, the military, life coaching, therapeutic counseling, workplace ministries, and more from UMEA’s director, Rev. Dr. Kent Lundy.
Register TodayShare with friends

Explore Becoming a United Methodist Chaplain/Campus Minister Webinar
2026-06-24 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Webinar
Photo courtesy of Bennett College
Are you a strategic leader who would thrive at the intersection of faith and intellect? Are you an ordained United Methodist clergy person with an advanced degree (MDiv, D.Min., PhD) wondering whether higher education is calling you?
The one-hour webinar is designed to help you learn about possibilities — a focused opportunity to learn what collegiate ministry looks like in 2026 and whether you might be called to serve in higher education, as well as information about the varied responsibilities university chaplains carry and the unique rhythms and demands of serving within the academic environment. Webinar hosts are Dr. Phil Wingeier-Rayo, the Rev. Eduardo Bousson, and the Rev. Dr. Tammy Gieselman sharing firsthand insights into ministry on campus.

Mid-Quadrennial Training for Boards of Ordained Ministry
2026-08-17 - 2026-08-19 | Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30305, United States
Strengthening Clergy Recruitment, Formation & Well‑Being
Gain the tools, insights, and strategies you need to support clergy across the full arc of ministry at the Mid-Quadrennial Training for Boards of Ordained Ministry on August 17-19 in Atlanta.
Engage critical questions around theological formation, clergy well-being, and long-term vocational sustainability with fellow leaders from across The United Methodist Church. Strengthen your ability to guide and support those called to ministry, today, and into the future.
Register todayWho Should AttendThis training is for you if you serve or support a Board of Ordained Ministry, including:

Members of Annual Conference Boards of Ordained Ministry
Board of Ordained Ministry Staff
Chairs of the Orders of Elders, Deacons, and the Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors
Leaders focused on clergy well-being and vocational formation

Register todayKey Benefits
Connect with peers and denominational leaders
Gain practical tools you can apply immediately in your conference and context
Strengthen your conference’s approach to clergy support
Explore emerging challenges and opportunities in clergy leadership and formation
Earn 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Register todayThe ScheduleMonday, August 179 a.m.-3 p.m.: BOM Staff Network Gathering
3 p.m.: Registration and Check-In
4  p.m.: Welcome, Introductions, and Opening Remarks – General Secretary Roland Fernandes
4:30 p.m.: Opening Worship with Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai  and Communion
5:30 p.m.: Framing the Questions, Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai
6 p.m.: Evening Break
Tuesday, August 188:45 a.m.: Morning Devotion with Rev. Kay Woo
9 a.m.: Opening Plenary: Study of Ministry Report with Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai
10 a.m.: Break
10:15 a.m.: Course of Study Revision Report with Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball
10:45 a.m.: AUMTS Report with Dr. Sujin Pak
11:15 a.m.: Theological Education, Clergy Formation, and the Future of United Methodist Ministry Panel
12:30  p.m.: Lunch in Grace Hall
1:30 p.m.: Plenary on  Clergy Well-Being Data Report, Wespath
3 p.m.: Break
3:15 p.m.: Supporting Clergy Session
4:15 p.m.: Ministry Grant Opportunities, Suicide Prevention Resource, highlight other  resources
5 p.m.: Evening Break
Wednesday, August 198:45 a.m.: Morning Devotion
9:15 a.m.:Workshops
Noon: Lunch
1 p.m.: Strategy Sessions Across Annual Conferences
4:30 p.m.: Closing Gathering: GC 2028 Legislation Discussion
6 p.m.: Sending Forth
WorkshopsExplore how to strengthen clergy formation and well-being across the full arc of ministry — from preparation through lifelong service.
Theological Education & Formation
Examine the evolving landscape of clergy preparation, including:

Key insights from the Study of Ministry report following General Conference 2020/2024
Updates to the Course of Study revision process
The current state of theological education
How academic institutions are preparing leaders for ministry today

Clergy Well-Being & Sustainability
Deepen your ability to support clergy beyond credentialing by exploring:

The ongoing needs of clergy beyond commissioning and ordination
Strategies you can use to support clergy at every stage of ministry
Research and emerging insights on clergy flourishing and sustainability
Vocational sustainability, leadership transitions, and long-term systems of care
Emotional and spiritual health in today’s ministry context
Collaborative work with Wespath and other leaders focused on long-term vocational health

Strengthening Your Conference’s Impact
Gain practical insight into how to enhance support within your conference, including:

Leadership development opportunities you can leverage
Practical ministry tools and resources
Grant funding initiatives
Long-term strategies for strengthening clergy formation and support systems across annual conferences

Register todayFacilitators, Panelists and SpeakersBishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai
Chair, Study of Ministry Commission;
Vice President, GBHEM Board of Directors
Roland Fernandes
General Secretary, GBGM and GBHEM
Dr. Mary Huycke
Courageous Space Coaching & Consulting
Centre for Creative Supervision
Dale Jones
Managing Director, Church Relations, Wespath
Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball
President, GBHEM Board of Directors

Dr. Sujin Pak
President, Association of United Methodist Theological Schools
Dean, Boston University School of Theology
Kelly Wittich
Managing Director, Health and Welfare Plans, Wespath

Register todayBecome better equipped to think holistically about clergy formation, support, and sustainability, from theological education and credentialing through lifelong ministry.

Exploration 2026
2026-11-06 - 2026-11-08 | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando, 5780 Major Blvd., Orlando, FL, 32819, United States
Exploration 2026, set for November 6–8 in Orlando, Florida, creates sacred space for young adults ages 18 and older to gather in meaningful fellowship, passionate worship, theological reflection and practical workshops. Participants are invited to discern whether God’s call on their life is to ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church and what faithful steps they can take in response.Register Today! Through worship, workshops, community, and guided reflection, gain clarity, confidence, and connection as you explore pathways in ministry and service.
Friday, November 63 p.m. – Registration and Sacred Space Opens
3-4 p.m. – Small Group Leader Orientation
5-6 p.m. – Dinner (seated by Annual Conference)
6-8 p.m. – Opening Session
8-9 p.m. – Small Groups I
9-10 p.m. – Panel with Special Guests
Midnight – Sacred Space Closes
Saturday, November 77 a.m. – Sunrise Yoga
8 a.m. – Sacred Space Opens
9-10 a.m. – Session II
10-11:15 a.m. – Workshop I
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. – Workshop II
1-2 p.m. – Lunch
2-3:15 p.m. – Workshop III
3-4:45 p.m. – Workshop IV
5-6 p.m. – Dinner
6-8 p.m. – Conn-etwork
8-9 p.m. – Session III
9-10 p.m. – Small Groups II
10-10:30 p.m. – Snack
10:30-11:30 p.m. – Affinity Groups
Midnight – Sacred Space Closes
Sunday, November 88 a.m. – Sacred Space Opens
9-10 a.m. – Small Group III
10-11 a.m. – Room Checkout
11 a.m.-Noon – Session IV
Through a mix of panels and focused sessions, you’ll hear directly from elders, deacons, lay leaders, chaplains, missionaries, and seminary staff as they share their journeys and practical advice.
Serving in Extension Ministry
What does it look like to serve as a clergyperson beyond the local church? Learn about how elders and deacons serve beyond the local church, including as campus ministers, military and medical chaplains, and with other organizations. This workshop also includes information about endorsement, an additional credential useful or required for certain extension ministry settings.
Ministry as an Elder or Local Licensed Pastor (LLP)
Elders are ordained to Word, Order, Sacrament and Service. Learn about how elders serve within the local church and in extension ministry.
Ministry as a Deacon
Deacons are ordained to Word, Service, Compassion and Justice. Learn how deacons serve within local churches and beyond the local church in a variety of settings, and how deacons serve differently than laity.
Ministry as a Lay Person
Join us for a panel discussion about lay and ordained ministry, and the similarities and differences between both pathways. Learn about how we equip laity into ministry across the denomination.
Serving in Endorsement
Ministry happens in a variety of settings – not just within a local church congregation! United Methodist elders and deacons can be ordained to serve in the chaplaincy (ex. hospice, military, hospital) as a pastoral caregiver, or spiritual director. If you feel a calling to serve God, but aren’t drawn to ministry within a local church, come to this workshop to explore opportunities beyond the church walls.
Serving as a Missionary
Is your call to ministry rooted in social justice? People of faith are called to transform the world, to ensure all people’s needs are met and to live into God’s promise of abundant life. Learn about some of the pathways the UMC has for young adults called to mission and justice work, including the Global Mission Fellows program, and internships with Church and Society.
What to Expect in Seminary
Hear from seminary staff about what to expect in seminary and theological school, including areas of study, spiritual development, academic expectations, field/contextual education expectations, diversity and community.
Fresh Expressions & Creative Faith Communities
Learn about innovative approaches to building new faith communities in changing contexts.
Self-Care and Spiritual Disciplines in Ministry (New!)
Discover practices to sustain your spiritual health and well-being in ministry.
How to Afford Seminary
Join us for a panel discussion led by seminary and theological school staff entrusted with helping students pay for graduate theological studies. Learn about options available for scholarships, denominational and other funding sources.
Navigating the Ordination Process
The United Methodist Church’s candidacy process is the application and discernment process for ordination. This workshop will address questions related to the candidacy process. We will explain the process, give an overview of the steps to take, and give suggestions on how to work through the process, beginning with your local church or collegiate ministry, your district committee on ordained ministry (dCOM), and your annual conference board of ordained ministry (BOM). Learn how you can become a better person by going through the candidacy process.
Structure and Organization of the Church (New!)
Understand how the church is organized and how its structure supports ministry.
Vocational Discernment ResourcesBooks (Click on Covers) Flyers (Click on Covers) Meet the team bringing Exploration 2026 to life.The Design Team Jayln Betts
Annual Conference: Oklahoma
Call: Local Church as a Licensed Local Pastor
Greta Todd
Annual Conference: Illinois-Great Rivers
Call: Deacon Serving in Mental Health Care
Jemina Marasigan
Annual Conference: Pacific Northwest
Call: Elder in a Local Church
Kyan Stuart
Annual Conference: Illinois-Great Rivers
Call: Deacon Serving in Medical Field
Whitney Wheeler
Annual Conference: Florida
Call: Elder Serving in Nonprofit Leadership
Staff Members Rev. Eduardo Bousson
Senior Manager,
Collegiate Ministries
Rev. Dr. Trip Lowery
Director, Ministry
Rev. Amie Stewart
Senior Manager, Conference Relations
