I grew up on a small farm in Orangeburg, South Carolina, just across the street from Salley Chapel UMC, a church named after our family, said James H. Salley, President & Chief Executive Officer of Africa University, Inc. and Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, Africa University. That church and others eventually merged to become Edisto Fork UMC, where I worship today. The land it was built on holds deep spiritual significance: it’s where my grandfather and seven others established Jerusalem UMC in 1871. My family’s history is woven into that soil—my parents and loved ones rest in the church cemetery.
Every pastor who has shaped my spiritual journey, except one, was a graduate of Gammon Theological Seminary. Through their leadership and God’s grace, I have been blessed. I gave—because Luke 6:38 reminds us to give, and it shall be given unto us.
Who Benefits From This Gift?
Gammon’s mission has never been more critical than it is today. As a school of the prophets, Gammon is not simply historic—it’s essential. I believe Dr. Candace Lewis is the right leader at the right time. My gift is an investment in her vision and a contribution toward stabilizing Gammon through student support and endowment building.
From President Lewis
“Stories like the Salley family remind me of Gammon’s deep, generational impact. Every gift carries more than dollars—it carries legacy, hope, and belief in the future of Black theological education and our church. Thank you for sowing into our mission and walking with us into Gammon 3.0.” — Dr. Candace M. Lewis, Gammon President.
Join the Movement
The size of the gift doesn’t matter; it’s the spirit in which it’s given. We must give as God has blessed us to offer, and he will provide the increase. Everyone can give something to the campaign for Gammon. I am a living testimony of how leadership from the institution has helped lay and clergy alike understand and be what God has called us to be in making Disciples for Jesus Christ to transform the world.
Join the “1 of a Million” Campaign and invest in future leaders:
- $1,000 provides essential resources for a student’s theological education
- $5,000 funds one full semester
- $10,000 launches a named endowed scholarship to support future clergy and faith leaders
Your Generosity Matters
Your support of the Ministerial Education Fund Apportionment helps schools like Gammon Theological Seminaryo prepare people to discover their calling through the challenging curriculum. Your generosity enables the church to increase financial support for recruiting and educating ordained and diaconal ministers and to equip annual conferences to meet increased demands.
Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GA
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Ministerial Education Fund is at the heart of preparing people for making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The 13 United Methodist seminaries help students to discover their calling through the challenging curriculum. The fund enables the church to increase financial support for recruiting and educating ordained and diaconal ministers and to equip annual conferences to meet increased demands. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Ministerial Education Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
