UMC Partnerships Help to Strengthen Theological Education What could a newlywed from Alabama and a grandfather of two living in Washington, D.C., possibly have in common? Well as seminary students striving towards their ministerial calling, they may have more in common than meets the eye. Both John Bruce and...

The Central Conference Theological Fund (CCTEF) illuminates the power of the connectional Spirit among us in the East Congo Episcopal Area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Both John Bruce and Leslie Williams are recipients of the Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarship, and both understand that the high costs of education can sometimes be an obstacle in pursuing one’s dreams. However, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) is helping to tackle those barriers, one student at a time. 

In an extremely "heartwarming" moment, a few of our Methodist leaders greeted Pope Francis with a John Wesley bobblehead doll. When Pope Francis received the John Wesley bobblehead figure, he immediately recognized it and said, “Oh, John Wesley, the Methodist!”

By connecting young adults to a greater network of other disciplined young adults, campus ministers, mentors, and seasoned ministry leaders, the Rev. Kevin Kosh Jr. is helping to build a pipeline of transformational leaders to serve within the church and respective UMC affiliated HBCU campuses.

With teenagers from all over the world converging on the Daytona Beach (Fla.) Ocean Center from July 25-28, YOUTH 2023 provided a prime opportunity for GBHEM staffers to meet with the church’s future leaders at the board’s booth.

During this season, we can witness signs of hope, motivation, and opportunities for action. As people involved in the general agencies of the United Methodist Church, we have seen our worldwide ecumenical connection at work!

Very few understand this more than Rev. Dr. Kent A. Lundy. A United Methodist Elder in the Indiana Conference, Rev. Dr. Lundy currently serves as wing chaplain to the 181st Intelligence Wing Air National Guard in Terre Haute, Indiana.

That’s why sound theological education is crucial from the start, with programs like the  Central Conference Theological Fund (CCTEF), which helps to make theological education possible for so many throughout Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.

Rev. Dr. Christinah Kwaramba is dedicated to the success of her students in the Center for Integrative Pastoral Practice (CIPP) Program.