The Global Methodist Church (GMC) announced on March 15 that Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School is among the first group of schools to be approved as one of its recommended educational institutions for the completion of educational requirements by candidates for ordination.
“We are honored to be serving our brothers and sisters in the Global Methodist Church in this way, and we pledge to do all we can to support the future of its pastoral and congregational ministries,” said Douglas A. Sweeney, dean of Beeson Divinity.
According to Keith Boyette, the Global Methodist's transitional connectional officer, "The GMC was formed in 2022 after efforts to resolve decades of conflict in The United Methodist Church failed.” The six seminaries it approved had to demonstrate institutional integrity, financial health and alignment with the theological and ethical principles of the GMC.
In 2021, Beeson added a Certificate of Wesleyan Studies as an option for Wesleyan students in the Master of Divinity program. This program satisfies educational requirements stipulated by the GMC and prepares Methodist students for life and ministry in their churches.
Michael Pasquarello III, Beeson’s Methodist Chair of Divinity and director of the Wesleyan Studies certificate program, said this recognition was good for Beeson.
“Beeson Divinity School is committed to welcoming students from churches of the Wesleyan tradition,” Pasquarello said. “We are thankful at this time for the privilege of partnering with the Global Methodist Church in preparing women and men for the joy of spreading scriptural holiness throughout the world.”
Learn more about preparing for ministry as a Methodist.