Agency Alignment for Shared Ministry

Four general agencies of The United Methodist Church — Discipleship Ministries, Global Ministries (GBGM), Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), and United Methodist Communications (UMCom) — have announced a vision to combine their ministry and begin working to form a single agency that brings together these connectional ministries. During the 2026 spring board meetings of these agencies, board members unanimously voted to support the unification concept and to continue developing the proposal further.

The proposed unification is designed to foster better coordination of ministry across the denomination, expanding alignment and collaboration in service of the church's shared mission. By bringing together programs, resources, and leadership, the new agency will enhance support for all constituents—including local congregations and communities, the Council of Bishops, seminaries and universities, ethnic plans, regional and annual conferences, and other ministry partners. A suggested name for the new entity that is reflective of this unifying of services and ministries will be added to the proposal as development continues.

Beyond the ministry and missional benefits, the proposal will also help these four world service-funded general agencies navigate an ever-changing ministry environment while adjusting to financial realities facing the church and the world. Through unification, operational integration will streamline support services with shared databases, coordinated systems, and joint fundraising efforts, creating greater efficiency and reducing duplication. Administrative functions such as human resources, finance, information technology, and travel planning will also be integrated, along with general assets across these agencies. Together, these changes position the church for greater sustainability and long-term effectiveness.