By Susan Clark 
October 28, 2022 | ATLANTA

General Secretary Roland Fernandes has led a range of strategic conversations since he assumed the role of Global Ministries’ chief executive more than two years ago. Confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic, resurgent racism, climate change and the uncertain future of The United Methodist Church, staff and board members enumerated five operational touchstones to respond to these challenges: sharpening the agency’s focus, tightening accountability, increasing collaboration, measuring impact and enhancing communication. 

Toward the goal of sharpened focus, Global Ministries conducted an activities evaluation which identified 17 priority programs for the agency, each with a logical framework reflecting one or more of four missional priorities:  

  • missionaries,  
  • evangelism and church revitalization,  
  • global health, and  
  • humanitarian relief and recovery.  

This work has formed the basis of a short-term strategic plan for the 2022-2024 period which was approved by Global Ministries and UMCOR directors at the fall board meeting, held Oct. 18 – 21, 2022.    

Fernandes thanked the directors for their engagement in the process, noting that additional long-term work would be needed, saying “My prayer is that this long transitional moment can be truly transformative for our church, and in particular, for our agency, so that we may be true channels for God’s mission.” 

Read the strategic plan here. 

Susan Clark is the chief communications officer for Global Ministries and UMCOR.

Board of Directors North America Board Meeting Global Ministries