General Board of Global Ministries

General Board of Global Ministries. The General Board of Global Ministries is a global ministry organization of the United Methodist Church, with a rich history dating back to 1819, when it was established as the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Over the years, the organization has undergone several transformations, including mergers with other Methodist agencies, such as the Women's Division of the Board of Global Ministries and the Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Today, the General Board of Global Ministries works closely with various United Methodist agencies, including the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the United Methodist Publishing House, to support its mission and programs.

● History

The General Board of Global Ministries has a long and storied history, with roots dating back to the early 19th century, when Francis Asbury and other Methodist leaders recognized the need for a coordinated approach to missionary work. In 1819, the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church was established, with the goal of supporting missionaries in the United States and around the world, including in countries such as China, India, and Africa. Over the years, the organization has played a significant role in shaping the United Methodist Church's approach to missionary work, working closely with other Methodist agencies, such as the Women's Foreign Missionary Society and the Board of Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The General Board of Global Ministries has also been influenced by the work of notable Methodist leaders, including John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and Bishop Matthew Simpson.

● Organization

The General Board of Global Ministries is headquartered in New York City, United States, and is governed by a board of directors composed of United Methodist leaders from around the world, including Bishop Minerva Carcaño, Bishop Gregory Palmer, and Bishop Hope Morgan Ward. The organization is divided into several departments, including the Missionary Service department, the Global Health department, and the Sustainable Development department, which work together to support the organization's mission and programs. The General Board of Global Ministries also has a strong partnership with other United Methodist agencies, including the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the United Methodist Publishing House, and the General Council on Finance and Administration.

● Mission and Programs

The General Board of Global Ministries has a broad range of mission and programs, including missionary work, global health initiatives, and sustainable development projects. The organization supports missionaries in over 60 countries around the world, including China, India, Brazil, and South Africa, and works closely with local United Methodist churches and other partners to support community development projects, such as the United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone and the Methodist Church in Mexico. The General Board of Global Ministries also provides support for disaster relief efforts, working closely with the United Methodist Committee on Relief and other partners, such as the American Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

● Governance and Leadership

The General Board of Global Ministries is governed by a board of directors composed of United Methodist leaders from around the world, including Bishop Thomas Bickerton, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, and Bishop Grant Hagiya. The organization is led by a general secretary, who is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization, and works closely with other United Methodist leaders, including the Council of Bishops and the Connectional Table. The General Board of Global Ministries also has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and works to ensure that its leadership and staff reflect the diversity of the United Methodist Church, including the National Association of Asian American United Methodists and the Black Methodist Church for Church Renewal.

● Global Health Initiatives

The General Board of Global Ministries has a strong commitment to global health initiatives, and works to support health care projects and programs around the world, including in countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The organization provides support for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs, malaria control efforts, and other health care initiatives, working closely with partners such as the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The General Board of Global Ministries also works to support the development of health care infrastructure, including the construction of hospitals and clinics, and provides training and support for health care workers, including nurses and doctors.

● Missionary Work

The General Board of Global Ministries has a long history of supporting missionary work around the world, and today supports over 300 missionaries in more than 60 countries, including Japan, Korea, and Philippines. The organization provides support for a range of missionary activities, including evangelism, church development, and community development projects, and works closely with local United Methodist churches and other partners to support the development of indigenous missionary programs, such as the Methodist Church in Cuba and the United Methodist Church in Russia. The General Board of Global Ministries also provides training and support for missionaries, including language training and cultural orientation, and works to ensure that its missionary programs are culturally sensitive and effective, including the United Methodist Missionary Society and the World Methodist Council.