Meeting Minutes List

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasiMinistry Higher Education Commission Meeting Minutes September 21, 2026
Present: Debra Davis, Bridget Douglas, Brian Ebel, Leslie Tomlinson, Jane Finley, Bishop Kenneth Levingston, Margarita Todorova, Andy Miller III, Burt Palmer, Sherry Powers, Reuben Ososo, Bonface Wanyama, Andrea Schadel, Diana Cabauatan
Absent: Dan Gildner, Daniella Massangu Ngoy,
Staff Representative: Teresa Marcus
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Bishop’s Comments: A reminder from Romans that we are all part of one body, and particularly “do not think of yourself more highly than you are, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement”. Don’t shy away from what God calls you to. Also, don’t elevate yourself. It is important to know who we are and whose we are. Whatever gifts God has given us is for the common good, not for ourselves, use them for the Glory of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
Review and Approve Minutes of 8/17/26 meeting Motion to approve, Leslie Tomlinson, second Andy Miller III, motion carried
General Conference 2026:
● The Ministerial Training Fund needs to be updated to match the new language, since the language went into effect immediately. Bridget Douglas will work on updating this document prior to the October 5, 2026 meeting. Debra Davis will work with Matt Conover and Molly Williams about the auditing of the 90% usage of funds and reporting date.
● Items to carry forward for the Incoming MHED Commission
○ BOM Guidebook
○ Ordination Exam: Create exam requirements and process.
○ Petition 507: Develop educational guidelines by May 1, 2027.
○ Resolution on Deacon & Elder: Clarify the call and develop robust doctrine for the ministry of Deacon. Include three Commission members on the team.
○ Global Education: Ensure those called to ministry globally have access to appropriate education. Coordinate with the BOM Cohort around
institutional standards and best practices.
○ Academic Advisory Committee: Clarify expectations for the committee and how it can be utilized over the next six years, including a possible
missional charge to support global academic standards.
○ Budget Pieces to Consider
■ Reflection on the historic budget, and adjustments recommended ■ Funding for the BOM Cohort Gathering/Collaborating
■ Funding for Exam Development
Updates from Subcommittees:
● CLM Subcommittee – Sherry Powers
○ Transition of CLM programming responsibilities has begun between Sherry Powers and Leesa Judd.
○ A CLM-PCC meeting is scheduled for September 29, 2026.
○ Interviews with North Alabama and MS-WTN Conferences are scheduled for later in October; recommendations will be brought to the Commission as appropriate.
○ Additional conferences are considering submitting applications, with those processes still underway.
● COA - Brian Ebel
○ There are several upcoming institutional meetings scheduled, more information will be coming in the next month.
Other Discussion:
Final Meeting Information:
● We will complete our duty as MHED Commission with a final meeting on October 5, 2026 and will invite the new MHED Commission to join us.
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