Executive Appointments in Ministry and Education

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) is pleased to announce the appointments of the Rev. Margaret Lassiat as executive director of ministry and Dr. Philip Wingeier-Rayo as executive director of education. These leaders bring decades of experience in ministry, education and global leadership, making them well-suited to further GBHEM’s mission of equipping and empowering principled Christian leaders for the church and the world.

“Rev. Lassiat and Dr. Wingeier-Rayo will help GBHEM at this critical time as we continue to review and reassess our programs that equip clergy and lay leaders for impactful service in the church and beyond and forge vital connections between the church and the academy, said General Secretary Roland Fernandes. “I am excited to see how their expertise will help shape the future of the agencies’ ministry and education work through innovative programming across our global United Methodist connection.”

Rev. Lassiat will lead GBHEM’s initiatives in theological education, ministry and clergy formation. She will oversee credentialing, licensing and ordination processes, continuing education for clergy and partnerships with seminaries and annual conferences. An ordained deacon in the Indiana Conference, Rev. Lassiat has dedicated her career to supporting clergy at every stage of their vocational journey.

Previously, she held a leadership position in GBHEM’s Division of Ordained Ministry for 15 years. Most recently, she has served as director of resource development and training at the General Commission on the Status and Role of Woman. Rev. Lassiat will start her role on March 17, 2025.  

Dr. Wingeier-Rayo will oversee GBHEM’s global educational initiatives, including higher education, collegiate ministries, relationships with regional associations and partnerships with more than 1,000 Methodist-related schools, colleges and universities worldwide. A professor, administrator and scholar, Dr. Wingeier-Rayo has spent more than 30 years in higher education and mission work.

Most recently, he has served as Professor of Missiology, World Christianity and Methodist Studies at Wesley Theological Seminary, where he previously held the position of academic dean. His work has included leading successful accreditation efforts, launching academic programs and securing grants for leadership development. A former commissioned missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries, he has extensive international experience, particularly in Latin America. Dr. Wingeier-Rayo will start his role on May 12, 2025.

About GBHEM
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) stewards the educational mission and intellectual life of The United Methodist Church, connecting the mission of the church and the academy and developing transformational leaders for the ministry of the church. Elders, deacons and licensed local pastors benefit from our training and candidacy programs. Young adults find help in clarifying their vocation and God’s call on their lives through leadership and discernment programs. GBHEM also supports and connects networks of more than 1,000 United Methodist and Methodist-related schools, colleges and universities around the world.