Leadership Development and Scholarships
Although mission partners and their members understand the importance of gaining expertise through higher education and other training, resources to pay for this type of training are not easily available to them. Global Ministries’ Leadership Development and Scholarships program (LDS) is critical to bridging this gap and contributes to the overall mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ.”
The main goal of the Leadership Development and Scholarships program is to provide resources and opportunities for individuals and mission partners to develop expertise and capacities critical for the fulfillment of mission priorities and program goals in their regions.
LDS may provide scholarships in areas such as theological education, health-related studies, agricultural science, community development, human rights, social justice or other areas.
As Global Ministries and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) continue their work of greater alignment, scholarship inquires for both agencies should be directed to the GBHEM Scholarship Office at +1-615-340-7344 or scholars@umcmission.org.
Our Theological Commitment to Education Access
The General Boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries share a theological commitment to working to provide access to education. This commitment includes providing scholarships and other assistance to persons from disadvantaged groups that cannot access education and opportunities on the same basis as others. This commitment is grounded in our Methodist theological heritage and our beliefs about God’s call to work for mission and justice in the world.
As United Methodists, we believe that all people are created in the image of God and of sacred worth. We further believe that all people have a right to education. We recognize, however, that not all people have access to education. As United Methodists, our faith compels us to take concrete actions to oppose injustices that disregard the inherent worth of all people. This includes tangible steps to promote access to education through scholarships.
While many Christians across the world celebrate World Communion Sunday with the elements and rich ritual of communion, the UMC offering collected on that Sunday extend the communion table to provide tangible assistance to students around the globe.
Through Asian Rural Institute experience, Joshua Nii Ofori Suttah learns about agriculture, livestock, leadership – and himself.
Forty-four students from 16 countries enrolled in a wide range of fields will receive leadership development scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year.