The United Methodist Church proclaims a bold and transformative vision: to form disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections. This vision calls the church not only to nurture faith but also to equip leaders who embody Christ’s love in every sphere of life. The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) plays a central role in carrying out this vision by shaping faithful leaders, strengthening theological and higher education, and connecting the church’s witness across the globe.
GBHEM helps form disciples who love boldly by supporting both educational institutions and students, ensuring access to theological and academic resources that prepare principled individuals for compassionate ministry and transformative leadership. Through scholarships, loans, and leadership programs, GBHEM invests in students who feel called to ministry as well as those pursuing education in other fields. By supporting their academic journeys, the agency helps disciples deepen their understanding of God’s love and gain the confidence to share that love boldly in their communities. GBHEM also partners with United Methodist-related schools, colleges, and universities, ensuring that education is rooted in Wesleyan values and a commitment to justice, compassion, and inclusivity.
The agency equips disciples to serve joyfully by creating pathways into ministry and supporting clergy throughout their vocations. GBHEM oversees the candidacy and ordination processes, walking alongside individuals as they discern their call to serve the church. This joyful service is sustained by ongoing education, mentoring, and professional development opportunities that GBHEM provides to clergy and lay leaders alike. By strengthening the preparation and support systems for those in ministry, the agency ensures that disciples can live out their calling with vitality, resilience, and joy.
GBHEM fosters courageous leadership that empowers the church to respond to contemporary challenges. Leadership today requires courage to address complex social issues, to advocate for justice, and to engage in dialogue across cultural and national boundaries. GBHEM partners with conferences, theological schools, ecumenical organizations, and higher education institutions, supporting them in their work developing, equipping, training and credentialing clergy and lay leaders. By nurturing leaders who can think theologically, act ethically, and respond courageously, GBHEM helps the United Methodist Church remain a relevant and prophetic voice in the world.
Finally, GBHEM embodies worldwide connections central to the United Methodist vision. With relationships spanning conferences and continents, the agency works to ensure that disciples are not formed in isolation but in connection with the broader body of Christ. Initiatives such as the Central Conference Theological Education Fund and cross-cultural leadership development programs illustrate GBHEM’s commitment to strengthening global discipleship. These efforts remind the church that to be Methodist is to be part of a worldwide community, where love, service, and leadership extend beyond local borders.
We hope you enjoy these stories of love, service and leadership from United Methodists around the world.