GBHEM

Christ is depicted in a stained-glass window at the Upper Room Chapel in Nashville, Tenn. Discipleship Ministries, which includes The Upper Room, is working to unite into one organization with the United Methodist boards of Global Ministries, Higher Education and Ministry, and United Methodist Communications. The agencies are working together to send legislation to form such a union to General Conference. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.

4 church agencies propose unifying into one

Four general agencies — United Methodist Communications, Discipleship Ministries, Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry — are making plans to become one. Legislation to unify the agencies will be going to General Conference.

Faith Stories

Athletes with Alaska Pacific University’s Nordic Ski Center practice cross-country skiing ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The United Methodist-related university in Anchorage, Alaska, has a tradition of sending cross-country skiers to the Olympics going back to 1972. Photo courtesy of APU Nordic Ski Center.

United Methodist school brings Olympic glory

Alaska Pacific University, a small college with strong United Methodist ties, is sending nine cross-country skiers to the 2026 Winter Games. The university also has a commitment to Alaska Native students.

Global Health

Staff with the Zimbabwe Entomological Support Program in Malaria stand inside the insectary at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, during a rededication of its research lab on Aug. 27. The program was shut down earlier this year after funding from USAID was suspended. From left are Sungano Mharakurwa, Vuyisile Mthokozisi Mathe, Joseph Makanda, Fanuel Toto, Hieronymo Masendu, Petros Kawadza and Violla Chimwayi. Photo by Ben Smith, UM News.

Africa University restarts malaria program

With funding support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, Africa University reopened a research lab after the U.S. aid withdrawal left life-saving work in jeopardy.

General Agencies

Bishop David Wilson, president of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, leads opening worship during the United Methodist boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry’s joint organizational meeting on Oct. 14 at the Denman Building in Nashville, Tenn. Photo by Adam Bowers, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.

Global Ministries, Higher Ed focus on hope amid change

The joint board meeting of United Methodist Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry was jam-packed with changes coming as the two agencies look to combine efforts and become more efficient.

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