Fund 519, Ministerial Education

Through this general fund, support is provided for the thirteen United Methodist seminaries in the United States and global initiatives through GBHEM, as well as local pastor courses of study, continuing education, and other programs that strengthen the ministry of every local church. Of the total collected, 25% is retained by each annual conference which directly supports ministerial education in that conference, under the supervision of the Board of Ordained Ministry.

As approved by General Conference, GBHEM established the Central Conference Theological Education Initiative in 2013 in collaboration with the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM). This initiative will seek to improve and strengthen existing indigenous structures of theological education in order to create a sustainable, contextual system of education in areas where it now least exists. This program initiative is intended to be a continuation of the Africa Theological Education Initiative begun during the past quadrennium. It will continue and expand the theological and training opportunities that are currently taking place.