STRENTHENING THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION
The most cost-effective and sustainable method for strengthening theological education in the central conferences is an endowment fund. The Endowment Fund for Theological Education in the Central Conferences was developed to fulfill this need. Its purpose is: to strengthen theological education in the Wesleyan tradition in the central conferences of The United Methodist Church and prepare principled Christian leaders, rooted in a Wesleyan mindset of joining knowledge and vital piety.
This would be accomplished in the following ways:
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Theological education of local pastors
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Theological education of candidates for ordained ministry
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Continuing theological education of clergy
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Scholarships for theological education
(on all levels including postgraduate studies)
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Development of infrastructure for theological education
(literature and other resource material, libraries, networking
among institutions, exchange of professors, etc.)
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Support and promotion of new promising avenues in
theological education
ENDOWMENT: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING
The benefits of an endowment fund are many. As a donor, you can make a gift that will provide benefits long into the future, and likely even grow over time. The Endowment Fund will provide funding in perpetuity, eliminating the uncertainty created by relying on General Conference decisions and World Service Apportionment Fund receipts. By funding the program upfront and making grants from the endowment earnings, funding will continue even if General Conference does not renew its quadrennial commitment.
GENERAL CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENT
Initial investment:
apportionment of $5 million
Grants awarded annually:
~$1 million
Funding renewal:
every 4 years
Funds held in perpetuity:
$0
Amount needed over 40 yrs:
apportionment of $50 million
Amount needed over 100 yrs:
$120 million
ENDOWMENT
Initial investment:
$25 million
Grants awarded annually:
~$1 million
Funding renewal:
NOT NEEDED
Funds held in perpetuity:
$25 million
Amount needed over 40 yrs:
$25 million
Amount needed over 100 yrs:
$25 million
The need for an endowment fund was recognized and endorsed by the Council of Bishops. The urgency for support is heightened by the growth of the UMC in the global South, by the living conditions in economically less developed countries, by the non-English, diverse cultural settings, and by the will to become a truly worldwide church. Therefore, it is urgent to build up a sustainable support structure that broadens the ability to provide theological education across the world. Be a part of the solution by giving today.