Illinois Great Rivers Conference 2025 Journal-Yearbook
reviews the consumer price index, denominational average compensation, conference average compensation, and other sources as it considers this legislation. This year’s recommendation is in the Legislative Section.
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Hope in Times of Change 2025 Annual Conference Report “Lord, show us favor; we hope in you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of distress.” (Hebrews 33:2). These words from Hebrews both ground and inspire the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) as we participate in the missio Dei, the mission of God. GBHEM stewards the intellectual life of the Church and supports the formation and calls of transformative leaders. We approach our changing work and world with hope and dedication to listen and collaborate closely with our partners worldwide, to create space and opportunity for growth in leadership and ministry. GBHEM strengthens the educational mission of the Church by fostering environments of intellectual development alongside spiritual growth. Through GBHEM programs, such as Clinical Pastoral Education, the Course of Study, the Central Conference Theological Education Fund, the Black College Fund, and robust scholarship programs, GBHEM supports Methodist scholarship and leadership around the world. Alleviating student debt through financial support remains a priority. GBHEM awarded over $3.7 million in scholarships to 2,165 students in 2024, including students from 51 annual conferences in the United States and 28 annual conferences in the central conferences. In addition, GBHEM stewarded the distribution of roughly $17.4 million in grants to United Methodist ministries. Because of your generous support, approximately $6.4 million is apportioned annually for the 11 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) related to the Church through The Black College Fund. The funds enhance capital improvements, provide scholarships, and support the work of faculty and staff. There are approximately 13,534 students at BCF-supported HBCU’s; 70% receive Pell Grants. GBHEM is also responsible for two initiatives approved by General Conference: The Methodist Global Education Fund for Leadership Development (MGEFLD), which includes the Grants and Scholarships Program (GRASP); and the Central Conference Theological Education Fund (CCTEF). The CCTEF advances theological education in all central conferences by strengthening theological institutions, creating networks among these schools, and increasing access to theological education. GBHEM has established 9 regional Leadership, Education and Development Hubs (LEAD Hubs) around the world. Each LEAD Hub is a part of the agency’s strategic plan to connect with The United Methodist Church worldwide through collaboration with Pan- Methodist and Ecumenical leaders in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Eurasia, Latin American and the Caribbean, and North America. The agency’s ongoing alignment efforts with Global Ministries were further enriched when Roland Fernandes became general secretary of GBHEM on July 1, 2024, following the retirement of the Rev. Greg Bergquist. After several years of collaborative work, agency priorities focus on a unified presence and integrated structure. This
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