GBHEM Awards 98 Grants Totaling $1,672,600 to Expand Theological Education Around the World

Nashville, TN, May 22, 2022 – The Commission on Central Conference Theological Education Fund (CCTEF) met virtually early in 2022, awarding 98 grants totaling $1,672,600 to the seven Central Conferences of The United Methodist Church. The grants fund theological education initiatives at theological institutions, Boards of Ordained Ministry and associations integrally related to training United Methodist pastors around the world. 

“The Central Conference Theological Education Fund (CCTEF) strengthens and advances equitable theological education in all central conferences by increasing access to quality theological education,” expressed Rev. Greg Bergquist, general secretary at GBHEM. “CCTEF has an enormous positive impact in the lives of students, clergy, and leadership in the church, the academy, and the surrounding community.” 

Grants are awarded for a range of projects that include clergywomen consultations and clinical pastoral education to creating new libraries, student scholarships, and opportunities for faculty development. The Commission has received an increased number of projects requesting assistance with creating virtual access theological education in response to the pandemic. Applications are open annually from Nov. 15 through Jan. 15. All grant recipients are required to submit a project update and an annual report that demonstrates the progress of the project.    

Applications must address one of the five categories for the CCTEF: development of theological schools, development of Courses of Study programs, development of libraries and contextually developed resources, scholarships and faculty development, support for associations and networks of faculty and schools, and support for new and innovative approaches to theological education. 

Administered by GBHEM, the CCTEF was first approved by the 2012 General Conference. Recognizing the tremendous impact of this fund, the 2016 General Conference doubled the amount to $10 million for the 2017- 2020 quadrennium. 

The money for the CCTEF comes from the World Service Fund, which is essential to the core of the church’s worldwide outreach ministry.  

To learn more about CCTEF or view a complete list of CCTEF grant recipients, visit gbhem.org.

To read about the impact of CCTEF funds in the Congo Central Conference visit: gbhem.org/news/university-of-kamina-united-methodist-church.

About GBHEM: As the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s mission is to build capacity for United Methodist lay and clergy leaders to discover, claim and flourish in Christ’s calling in their lives, by creating connections and providing resources to aid in recruitment, education, professional development, and spiritual formation. Every elder, deacon and licensed local pastor benefits from our training and candidacy programs. Many young adults find help in clarifying their vocation and God’s call in their lives through our leadership and discernment programs. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: @GBHEM.