News

JTOM scholar/mentor credits The United Methodist Church with guiding him “through classes, workshops, trainings and colleagues to serve God and the world.” By Barbara Dunlap-Berg Preacher’s kid John Mark Wang didn’t hear how passionately God was calling him to ordained ministry until his father recruited him to lead fellowship games...

TV Host and Author to Share How Connecting with Communities, Cultures Has Inspired His Own Spiritual Growth on March 23 As travelers worldwide cautiously await the opportunity to pack their bags once again, renowned travel expert and author Rick Steves will join the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry...

The Rev. Carlos S. Reyes Rodriguez, Racial Equity and Community Engagement Manager, National Justice for Our Neighbors By Barbara Dunlap-Berg, with biographical information courtesy of Global Ministries Rev. Carlos S. Reyes Rodriguez Growing up in Colombia, South America, Carlos S. Reyes Rodriguez was surrounded by people of many cultures and...

Brown says Journey Toward Ordained Ministry offers freedom to be oneself, along with practical approaches to ministry. By Barbara Dunlap-Berg. The youngest of four children, Alexis Faith Brown grew up in a fun-loving, nurturing home in Baltimore. Her mother is an ordained elder in the Baltimore-Washington Conference and her father,...

Navigating the ordination process is not always easy. The Rev. Nickie Moreno Howard helps others on the journey. By Barbara Dunlap-Berg. Nickie Moreno Howard Even as a little girl, she knew she would pursue ordination. “I always loved church and couldn’t wait for the chance to preach and lead Bible...

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) announced its blueprint for “Our Road Reimagined” in August, detailing plans to realign its culture and organizational structure to allow the agency to continue its mission in a more effective, innovative and sustainable way. GBHEM’s mission is not changing, but the...

Professor Munashe Furusa, Vice Chancellor of Africa University The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry mourns the passing of its friend, colleague and partner in higher education, Professor Munashe Furusa, vice chancellor of Africa University. Furusa died in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Jan. 13 in Mutare, Zimbabwe...

By Jessica Love Yolanda Santiago Correa The daughter of two United Methodist ministers, Yolanda Santiago Correa was determined to take her career in a different direction. Yet, the prophetic call of ministry and the powerful connectivity of the United Methodist Church was too loud for the Puerto Rico native to...

Dear Friends, In this season of Advent, it seems as if we are all in the same place as the shepherds of Bethlehem. Like them, we are waiting in the darkness, doing our best to keep watch over our flocks and find safety in a frightening world. Yet, the shepherds...

By Jessica Love Dr. Cynthia Talley (front left) and her mother. Dr. Cynthia Talley grew up in a Christian home and knew early in life that God was calling her to do mission and pastoral work. “It was the PTL [Praise the Lord] Club, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker,” Talley...