GBHEM Board of Directors Affirm Agency’s Work to Build Capacity, Resource and Support the Development of the Future Leaders of The United Methodist Church

At the spring 2018 General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) Board of Directors meeting, the board unanimously affirmed the agency’s preparation to establish a center for leadership development and spiritual formation.

In an address to the board of directors, Rev. Dr. Kim Cape, general secretary, GBHEM, said, “The church needs diverse leaders who are deeply rooted in the things of God, able to navigate change, handle turbulence, overcome social distances, and be connected to the United Methodist community as they mentor others.”

Cape added, “Our job is to be the balcony view for the denomination’s leadership formation and development, and then resource our denominational leadership process with the end in mind. I see our role as on the balcony for the whole denomination, keeping the church connected in its diversity, as we hold the tension between connectional and contextual.”

Cape shared the agency’s work to evaluate its impact across the global church. GBHEM is actively identifying the resources and competencies needed in leaders of today and tomorrow through return on investment and rebranding research, two agency initiatives currently underway.

She also opened time in her address for Anna Santaniello, a young missionary directly working in and benefiting from GBHEM leadership development programs, to provide a firsthand account of how GBHEM programs are making an impact and shaping future leaders of the church. Santaniello works with Project Transformation, a national initiative funded by the Young Clergy Initiative, that engages young adults in purposeful leadership and ministry, supports children’s holistic development and connects churches with communities.

Click here to watch the General Secretary’s address or view a transcript of the address here.

The board closed the meeting with a strong affirmation of the work of GBHEM’s leadership team and staff as well as the direction of the agency. Bishop William McAlilly, board chair, echoed the board’s approval of the work taking place to best position GBHEM as the primary resource for shaping leadership now and meeting the changing leadership needs of the future.

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 on their lives through our leadership and discernment programs. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: @GBHEM.