MINISTRY and HiGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION (MHED)

Our Purpose & VISION

The Ministry and Higher Education Commission of the Global Methodist Church exists to ensure that clergy and laity are well-trained, equipped, and supported for faithful service in ministry across the globe.


We provide leadership and oversight for ministerial education, clergy preparation, and the certification of lay ministry programs. The Commission implements standards across all forms of ordained and lay ministry, ensuring that the people of the Church are prepared both spiritually and practically to serve Christ and His mission.

The Ministry and Higher Education Commission envisions a Church where:



  • Every clergy and lay leader is equipped for faithful service
  • Every institution reflects academic excellence and spiritual depth
  • Every candidate for ministry finds a clear, supported path to ordination or certification

“Education for ministry is not just about knowledge—it’s about formation for Kingdom service.”

What We Do

Our primary responsibilities include:


  • Approving seminaries, universities, and educational institutions for ministerial preparation.
  • Approving educational programs for certified lay ministers, deacons, and elders.
  • Exploring alternative pathways to clergy education for those outside traditional seminary routes.
  • Supporting annual conference boards of ministry in their evaluation and formation work.


“Our goal is to equip faithful leaders who are rooted in Scripture, formed by Wesleyan theology, and prepared to serve with excellence wherever God calls them.”

APPROVED PARTNER INSTITUTIONS

Nine previously recommended institutions are currently being vetted for official approval by the GMC.


An additional 13 institutions have expressed interest in becoming approved partners for clergy and lay training.

These institutions represent a growing network of Wesleyan-aligned schools committed to preparing the next generation of leaders in theology, mission, and ministry.


View Partner Institutions

LAY MINISTRY

EDUCATION

Lay ministers play a vital role in the mission of the Church.


The Commission is developing a Lay Ministry Certification  process that parallels the institutional approval system.


This will help ensure that lay programs meet the same high standards of theological integrity and ministry readiness.

Contact Lay Ministry Team

CLERGY EDUCATION PATHWAYS

The Commission continues to guide the development of alternative pathways to ordination, supporting candidates whose calling and circumstances may not fit traditional routes.


We also provide resources to assist:

  • Annual Conferences conducting background and psychological evaluations
  • Seminaries developing GMC-approved curricula
  • Endorsing Ministries supporting specialized clergy roles
Explore Clergy Pathways

Who We Are

The Ministry and Higher Education Commission is composed of clergy and lay leaders elected by the General Conference, representing a global span of experiences and ministry contexts.  The next commission will be elected during the 2026 General Conference.


Currently, the Commission includes:


  • 7 clergy members
  • 7 lay members
  • 1 bishop
  • 1 staff liaison representing 10 annual conferences worldwide.


The Commission also collaborates closely with:


  • The Committee on Approval
  • The Lay Ministry Subcommittee
  • Additional workgroups focused on curriculum development, clergy assessment, and global education initiatives


Clergy

Brian Ebel - MidSouth

Dan Gildner - Allegheny West

Andrew Miller, III - Miss W Tennessee

Margarita Todorova - Bulgaria

Bonface Wambanyama - Kenya Ethiopia

Burt Palmer - Trinity

Leslie Tomlinson - MidTexas

bishops

Bishop Kenneth Levingston

LaITY

Diana Cabauatan - Covenant Philippines

Debra Davis - Chair - Trinity

Daniella Masangu Ngoy - DRC

Sherry Powers- VChair - MidSouth

Ruben Ososo - Kenya Ethiopia

Bridget Douglas - Sec - Great Lakes

Andrea Shadel - Upper Midwest

Jane Finley - North Georgia

STAFf

Teresa Marcus

How We Work

The Commission meets biweekly via Zoom to coordinate ongoing initiatives.
In-person gatherings, such as the Atlanta Working Session (November 6–7, 2025), provide opportunities for concentrated collaboration on curriculum design, institutional review, and certification processes.



Meeting schedules for 2026 and beyond will be shared as they are finalized.

How to Get Involved

You can:

  • Submit an application to become an Approved Partner Institution 
  • Apply to certify a Lay Ministry Education Program (coming soon)
  • Contact the Commission with questions or volunteer inquiries


Apply to become a US Seminary

CONTACT