Global Methodist House of Study
“The world is my parish.”
-John Wesley
Are you exploring a call to ministry and leadership in a Wesleyan or Methodist denomination? Consider joining many United Methodists and others who share a commitment to an orthodox understanding of Christian faith and long to partner in the Great Commission in the context of a global church.
The Global Methodist House of Study at United Theological Seminary is designed to prepare women and men for biblically-grounded and Spirit-filled leadership for dynamic discipleship, effective pastoral ministry, and world-wide mission in a vibrant expression of the Wesleyan and Methodist heritage.
John Wesley famously declared, “The world is my parish.” Early Methodists set out to “spread Scriptural holiness across the land.” Today, travel and technology connect our world in ways John Wesley never could have imagined, yet the hunger and need for the message of Scriptural holiness is greater than ever before.
Through the Global Methodist House of Study at United Theological Seminary, you will discover:
- Learn to read and interpret the Scripture as the primary rule and authority for our faith, our morals, and our service in the church and world.
- Deepen your understanding of orthodox faith as expressed in the historical ecumenical creeds of the church as you learn from outstanding scholars and leaders.
- Discover the resources Wesleyan theology provides to address the spiritual questions and needs of people in the twenty-first century.
- Experience passionate, Spirit-filled worship expressed through a variety for worship styles from traditional to contemporary to charismatic. Learn to value the contribution each makes to bring glory to God.
- Experience a community of prayer with other students, faculty and staff.
- Develop skills in Biblical preaching and teaching, pastoral care and effective congregational leadership.
- Assimilate theological learnings, practical ministry skills and personal life through hands-on experience and small group reflections. (Master of Divinity students participate in Contextual Ministry Groups which invite personal spiritual development and theological reflection on ministry.)
- Study and grow in your own faith as you develop lasting relationships with others entering ministry and leadership in a vibrant new expression of Wesleyan/Methodist faith.
- Discover the energy of accountable discipleship and how to develop accountable discipleship in your place of ministry.
- Grow from interactions with persons preparing from ministry from other denominations and perspectives.
- Learn to do ministry with an evangelistic focus.
- Discover tools to evaluate the needs and ministry opportunities of the community you serve.
- Develop a vision of reaching beyond the local church to the world.
*The establishment and maintenance of Houses of Study at United Theological Seminary are dependent on sufficient enrollment.
Pathways to Ordination
Master’s Tracks
Global Methodist tracks are available through United’s Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Ministries degrees, so you can pursue your studies through your program of choice. As a Recommended Educational Institution of the Global Methodist Church, United and its degree programs are approved to fulfill the basic educational requirements prior to ordination as a deacon or elder in the GM Church.
View the area and degree requirements for each degree program
Non-Degree Certificates
Certificate in Service and Leadership
The Certificate in Service and Leadership (CSL) equips students for serving in a variety of ministries in a church through 8 courses over a two-year period. The CSL is an approved alternative pathway toward completing the educational requirements for ordained ministry as a deacon in the Global Methodist Church, and is available to domestic and international students. The fully online format fits your busy schedule and allows you to complete your coursework from wherever you live.
View the GMC area and program requirements for the CSL
Certificate in Theology and Ministry
The Certificate in Theology and Ministry (CTM) equips students for teaching, preaching, and leading in a church through 18 online courses offered over a three-year period. The CTM is an approved alternative pathway toward completing the educational requirements for ordained ministry as an elder in the Global Methodist Church, and is available to domestic and international students. The fully online format fits your busy schedule and allows you to complete your coursework from wherever you live.
Meet the Director
Rev. Gregory Stover
[email protected]
Rev. Gregory Stover brings a breadth of experience as a pastor and leader in the United Methodist Church. Over more than forty years he led growth in congregations in varied contexts as he sought to make disciples of Jesus Christ. He initiated a “Faith Promise” approach to mission giving in a congregation that gave $5,000 the first year and over $1,000,000 across forty years to support evangelism and other mission projects. He led another congregation in a new vision including partnering with a nearby urban neighborhood and Cincinnati City Gospel Mission to open a successful tutoring program and provide other needs for an diverse community. He guided three churches through significant building programs to provide facilities for growing ministries.
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Rev. Stover also serve seven years as District Superintendent of the Cincinnati District. He worked with the District Strategy Committee to develop a plan to revitalize local congregations through mission-focused appointments and strategic mergers — including the merger requested by two African-American congregations which resulted in new facilities and expanded outreach to their community.
A graduate of United Theological Seminary (1977). He has taught several courses at UTS including: Introduction to Evangelism, United Methodist Doctrine and Polity, and Preparing for the Board of Ordained Ministry. He currently serves on the President’s Advisory Board.
A desire to proclaim Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and teach the Scripture as the Christian’s rule for faith and life provides foundation for his ministry. A commitment to theological, spiritual, and missional renewal in the church, based in orthodox and Wesleyan theology, shapes his ministry. These commitments have motivated him to serve regularly on the boards of renewal movements in the church. He was a participant in the gathering leading to the formation of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, a group working toward a new orthodox expression of Methodism.
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