Training, commissioning, assigning and supporting missionaries in the United States and around the world have been at the heart of mission since the founding of the first denominational Methodist missionary society in 1819. Today, United Methodist missionaries serve in about 60 different countries in many different types of professional careers, including as pastors, evangelists and church coordinators; teachers and educators; doctors, nurses and other health workers; agriculturists; development specialists; community organizers and peacebuilders. For information about missionaries and how to apply to become one, use the link below.

Establishing and nurturing new faith communities and supporting existing congregations, which seek to increase membership and expand ministries into local communities, have historic roots and contemporary implications for Global Ministries. Global Ministries’ commitment to evangelism and church revitalization includes missionaries who train pastors to plant churches in new places; mission initiatives, which start new Methodist faith communities; scholarships that assist church leaders to earn the credentials and degrees they need for service and ministry; and networks that resource racial and ethnic faith communities across the United States.

Global Ministries seeks to strengthen the ability of the church and communities to prepare for disasters and to provide humanitarian relief immediately following a disaster and throughout long-term recovery. The core of this work is accomplished through disaster relief and recovery, risk-reduction programming, addressing the needs and rights of migrants worldwide, improving livelihoods, increasing food security, and promoting environmental sustainability to reduce the impact of climate change.

Methodism’s focus on health as a part of mission dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries when missionaries expanded the options for health care in underserved communities. Through United Methodist conferences and health boards, Global Ministries works to strengthen whole networks of health responses, from revitalization of facilities and staff training to building better water sources, developing sanitation facilities and promoting nutrition. Global Health concentrates on eradicating preventable diseases, such as malaria, HIV and AIDS and COVID-19, and supporting the most vulnerable populations, including mothers, newborns and children.