Get your questions answered about the agency alignment proposal with this helpful FAQ resource.
The proposal to unify four general agencies of The United Methodist Church — Discipleship Ministries, Global Ministries (GBGM), Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), and United Methodist Communications (UMCom) — to create a new connectional ministries agency has passed its next significant milestone. During the 2026 fall board meetings of these agencies, board members voted to approve the United Methodist Mission & Ministry Agency name and the drafted unification legislation. The legislation will now advance to a review by the Standing Committee on Regional Conference Matters Outside the U.S.A. (SCRCM).
The proposed single agency will be made up of four ministry units that resource and support the worldwide ministries of The United Methodist Church for constituents and ministry partners. Each unit will hold distinct areas of responsibility within the unified purpose and integrated structure of the agency as follows:
- Mission, Humanitarian Relief and Health (program unit) - Connecting the Church in mission and alleviating human suffering.
- Higher Education and Ministry (program unit) – Connecting the Church and the academy and developing transformational leaders for the Church and the world.
- Discipleship and Spiritual Formation (program unit) - Assisting the Church in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
- Communication (administrative unit) - Leading the denomination's communication, public relations, and marketing as the global communications body of The United Methodist Church.
Two subsidiaries –the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and The Upper Room—will remain in place under the unified agency, with their boards elected by the agency's Board of Directors.
The proposed unification would bring these ministries together under a common vision and mission, so every goal aligns, and every partner is better served for the good of the Church. The United Methodist Mission & Ministry Agency is poised to offer:
- Mission continuity and stronger ministry: All four agencies would continue their mission and ministry within one unified structure, sharing programmatic operations, policies, and processes that draw on the best practices of each agency to expand collective impact and benefit constituents.
- One clear voice: Leaders and members will hear coordinated messaging across websites, email and social media, instead of competing priorities.
- Stronger support for all constituents: Support of partners, including local churches, ethnic plans, the Council of Bishops, the Connectional Table, regional and annual conferences, seminaries, and universities will strengthen mission and ministry.
- More resources directed to ministry: A holistic strategy and interaction with regional/annual conferences and other partners that eliminates duplication through shared support services, such as HR, IT, finance, travel planning, along with shared technology platforms and vendor partnerships to create efficiencies that free up more resources for ministry.
Pending approval of legislation at the 2028 General Conference, the new United Methodist Mission & Ministry Agency will become the legal successor to all four predecessor agencies effective at the event’s close. A new board will be formed for 2029–2032, and a transition plan will be developed to help facilitate a smooth unification process.
