General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

“I will likely think about my ministry story in two parts: life before my Camino pilgrimage, and life after.” — The Rev. Wade Langer, campus minister at the University of Alabama Wesley Foundation

In May, nine United Methodist chaplains and campus ministers stepped onto Spain’s
Camino de Santiago, not simply to walk, but to listen for God more deeply.

Their journey, sponsored by GBHEM's Office of Collegiate Ministries, created sacred space for discernment, connection, and renewed spiritual grounding, strengthening these leaders who spend their days guiding others.

Tap the link in the comments to learn more about this eight-day pilgrimage.


Bama Wesley
UL Wesley
Pfeiffer University
The Wesley Foundation at Arkansas State University
Auburn Wesley Foundation
University United Methodist Church
University Christian Ministry at Northwestern

After an awesome speech in this morning’s session, President Viera was awarded the Francis Asbury Award for Excellence in Higher Education on behalf of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry! Named for an early American Methodist Bishop Francis Asbury, the award honors his call to establish a school in the vicinity of every church. It recognizes United Methodist individuals who have made a significant contribution to fostering United Methodist ministries in higher education at the local, district, or annual conference level. Congratulations, President Viera!

“We are aligning theological education with the realities clergy face today, while ensuring students can move through the program with greater clarity, purpose, and support.” — Roland Fernandes, general secretary of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

Tap and scroll to see a few of the changes included in the revised Course of Study (COS) curriculum for theological education, with full implementation expected by June 2028.

Visit bit.ly/umcnewcos to learn more and explore FAQs.

Do you serve or support a Board of Ordained Ministry? Are you a leader focused on clergy well-being and vocational formation? 🤲

Gain the tools, insights, and strategies you need to support clergy across the full arc of ministry at the Mid-Quadrennial Training for Boards of Ordained Ministry — August 17-19, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia!

Tap the link in the comments to register today!

Across the U.S., United Methodist-related schools are connected by a shared mission, history, and values that shape learning and leadership. From the Robinson School Puerto Rico to the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, these 104 institutions form a network committed to academic excellence, access, and service.

Together, they foster inclusive, diverse communities that prepare students to engage thoughtfully with the world. Grounded in pillars like academic freedom, social justice, intercultural learning, and interfaith engagement, this connection strengthens collaboration and amplifies impact.

Want to learn more about what it means to be a United Methodist-related institution? Tap the link in the comments.

Are you an ordained United Methodist clergyperson considering a call beyond the local church—to be a strategic leader in a place where faith and intellect meet?

Join GBHEM on Wednesday, June 24, at 3:00 p.m. CT to explore the unique responsibilities of college/university chaplains and discern if you are called to serve in collegiate ministries.

Register here: bit.ly/4vugra0

United Methodist young adults — has God called you to ministry?

Register TODAY for Exploration 2026, a sacred space to discern and learn about pathways of ministry and service in The United Methodist Church!

📆 Nov. 6-8 in Orlando, Florida
📲 Learn more and register: bit.ly/umcexploration

Attending Florida's 2026 Annual Conference Gathering this week? Explore Global Ministries, Higher Education and Ministry, and UMCOR's virtual booth on Whova to learn more about our mission and ministry work!