Meeting Minutes List

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasiMinistry and Higher Education Commission
Meeting Minutes
Date/Time: Monday, June 15, 2026, 8:15 A.M. CST (GMT-5 Hrs.)
Members Present: Debra Davis, Andy Miller, Leslie Tomlinson, Brian Ebel, Jane Finley, Reuben Ososo, Diana Cabauatan, Margarita Todorova, Dan Gildner, Daniella Masangu Ngoy, Teresa Marcus, Bishop Kenneth Levingston
Members Absent: Burt Palmer, Bridget Douglas, Sherry Powers
Opening
Debra Davis, chair, called the meeting to order and welcomed members.
Andy opened the meeting with prayer, asking for God's guidance, wisdom, and blessing over the work of the Commission and the Global Methodist Church.
Approval of Agenda and Previous Minutes
The agenda was reviewed without changes.
A motion was made by Andy Miller and was seconded by Margarita Todorova to approve the minutes from the June 1, 2026 meeting without any changes or additions. The motion was approved unanimously.
Episcopal Reflection
Bishop Kenneth Levingston shared a devotional based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16–19, encouraging MHED Commission members to: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in every circumstance, and remain attentive to the work of the Holy Spirit.
He reminded the Commission that continual prayer is cultivated through daily awareness of God's presence rather than extraordinary religious practice and encouraged members to remain joyful and faithful in their ministry.
Partner Institution Meetings
Brian provided an update on upcoming meetings with partner institutions scheduled for July 6 and July 20. The purpose of these meetings is to receive feedback from partner seminaries regarding clergy preparation, discuss maintaining appropriate educational standards while respecting institutional autonomy, and strengthen relationships with approved partner institutions. Brian will follow up with the partner institutions to confirm the schedule, but as of the meeting date, July 6 will be Truett, WATS, and Mid America.
On July 20th, we will have Beeson, Oklahoma Wesleyan and Wesley Biblical Seminary. Brian has not heard from Asbury and will follow up with them.
Ministerial Training Fund
The Commission discussed questions regarding the interpretation of Ministerial Training Fund policies, particularly:
● Eligibility of certified candidates serving as supply pastors.
● When the required years of service begin for loan forgiveness.
● The definition of active appointed service.
Following discussion, the Commission affirmed:
● Certified candidates serving as supply pastors remain eligible for funding.
● The required service commitment begins with the recipient's first appointment year following ordination as either a deacon or elder.
● Conferences can determine how “active service” is defined with regard to part-time and full-time. In general, from the Commission’s standpoint, active service can include full-time, part-time, or bi-vocational.
● The first year in which a recipient receives funding counts as the first year toward loan forgiveness, provided the other criteria are achieved.
A motion was made by Dan Gildner and seconded by Leslie Tomlinson to establish a uniform policy that Ministerial Training Fund service obligations begin with the first appointment year following ordination as a deacon or elder, with the first year of funding counting as the first year toward loan forgiveness. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee on Approval
The Commission discussed the ongoing review of approved seminary programs and the importance of maintaining educational partnerships that align with Global Methodist Church values. Brian reported on upcoming reviews and site visits involving Gordon-Conwell Seminary and United Seminary
Certified Lay Ministry
There was a discussion about updating the CLM application on the website. Leslie also helped to clarify that the Mid Texas Conference has opted to use the Truett program to train its CLMs and is awaiting the Commission’s approval of that program.
Other Discussion
The Commission discussed challenges faced by clergy from outside the U.S. seeking appointments in the United States when they are not affiliated with a GMC conference. Bishop Levingston noted that each Annual Conference currently manages these applications independently. Members agreed there is a need for greater consistency across conferences. Debra will discuss the matter with Mike Schaefer for consideration at a future meeting of conference superintendents.
Announcements
Dan announced that he will begin serving as a Conference Superintendent in the Allegheny West Conference effective July 1.
Members were reminded of the upcoming meetings on July 6 and July 20. Closing
Jane closed the meeting in prayer.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 a.m. CT.ze this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.