Racial/Ethnic and Multiethnic Ministries grants support programs that foster leadership development and church growth in racial/ethnic communities.

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s (GBHEM) 2025 Impact Report highlights how The United Methodist Church continues to strengthen educational institutions, develop transformational leaders, and expand access to theological education amid a rapidly changing world. 

During its June meeting, the University Senate of The United Methodist Church updated the list of approved non-United Methodist theological schools, based on University Senate requirements for preparing candidates for ordination in The United Methodist Church.

In May, nine United Methodist chaplains and campus ministers stepped onto Spain’s El Camino de Santiago, not simply to walk, but to listen for God more deeply. The journey created sacred space for discernment, renewal and connection among leaders who spend their days guiding others. The eight-day pilgrimage, supported by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), was part of the Office of Collegiate Ministries Spiritual Development program, which provided $2,000 stipends for the nine participants.

As students face mounting financial pressures from cuts in student support programs on U.S. university campuses, the General Boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries will offer campus food and hygiene insecurity grants for United Methodist-related colleges to help provide food and essential supplies to their students.

The E. Stanley Jones Foundation and the General Boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry have partnered to develop and release a suicide prevention video training course designed to equip faith leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to prevent suicide, respond to crises, and care for individuals and families affected by suicide loss.

NAIROBI – From April 8-10, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, 112 board members, staff, and missionaries – including eight bishops from diverse regions – converged for a three-day meeting of the boards of directors for Global Ministries (GBGM), UMCOR, and Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM).

Launched in 2025, “This Moment Matters” has awarded hundreds of bridge grants to address critical gaps in need in the areas of food security, education, health, migration, and peace.

Directors of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry approve a proposal for Mary Johnston Hospital in Manila to develop the first certified and accredited UMC CPE program outside the United States.

A proposed unification of four UMC agencies aims to strengthen collaboration, mission impact, and long-term sustainability across the church.