Agencies provide resources and services that equip local congregations and provide a connection for ministry throughout the world. These organizations (councils, boards, commissions, committees, divisions or other units) can be found at all levels of the connection (churchwide, regional and local).
General Conference establishes general agencies (or churchwide agencies) to provide essential services and ministries beyond the scope of individual local congregations and annual conferences, and they are important for providing a common vision, mission and ministry for the entire global church.General Conference and the Connectional Table share in oversight of agency programs and ministries.
Each agency is governed by a board of directors whose members, both lay and clergy, are elected by jurisdictions and central conferences. Bishops, as assigned by the council, also share oversight on these boards.
Archives & History
Gathers, preserves, and disseminates materials on the history of The United Methodist Church and its antecedents. It maintains archives and a library in which the historical records are kept. Learn More
Church & Society
Challenges United Methodists to work in areas of important social concern and develops resources to inform, motivate, and train United Methodists on issues of social justice in the society. Learn More
Communications
We show how the work United Methodists do together transforms the world and provide local churches with tools, resources and training to equip them for communications ministry. Learn More
Discipleship Ministries
Provides resources and services that assist clergy and laity leaders in annual conferences and local churches as they seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Learn More
Finance and Administration
Manages the finances and operational needs of the denomination and serves as the general treasurer of the denomination. Learn More
Global Ministries
The General Board of Global Ministries connects the church in mission. Learn More
Higher Education & Ministry
Prepares Christian leaders for ordained ministry and provides general oversight for campus ministries and institutions of higher education. Learn More
Religion and Race
Works for the full and equal participation of racial and ethnic constituencies in the church through advocacy and by reviewing and monitoring the practices of the denomination. Learn More
The Status & Role of Women
Advocates for, and on behalf of, women by seeking to eliminate inequities and by monitoring the general agencies, institutions, and connectional structures to ensure the inclusion of women. Learn More
United Methodist Men
Involves men in a growing relationship to Jesus Christ and his church and provides resources and support for programs of evangelism, stewardship and the needs of men. Learn More
The United Methodist Publishing House
The United Methodist Publishing House is a publisher and distributor to Christian clergy and laity, with primary responsibilities for the publishing and distribution for The United Methodist Church. Learn More
United Methodist Women
United Methodist Women is the largest denominational faith organization for women with approximately 800,000 members whose mission is fostering spiritual growth, developing leaders and advocating for justice. Learn More
Wespath (Pension and Health Benefits)
Supervises and administers the pension and benefits programs, plans and funds of The United Methodist Church. It administers and disburses the retirement and benefit funds of the various annual conferences. Learn More
