A pioneering partnership between Garrett Evangelical-Theological Seminary and Africa University is reshaping how theological education is delivered globally, thanks to a $400,000 grant from the Ministerial Education Fund (MEF) administered by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM).
“Investing in our United Methodist seminaries is critical to ‘develop transformational leaders for the ministry of the church’ which is one of the goals of GBHEM,” said Roland Fernandes, GBHEM’s general secretary. “I am really glad to see how Garrett Seminary was able to use this grant to create innovative programs for theological education in a global context.”
Moving Beyond Extractive Models for Seminary Education
The program, which brings Africa University graduates to Garrett for advanced theological training, is designed to foster public ministry rooted in justice, contextual theology and community leadership. Through hybrid learning and cross-cultural collaboration, the initiative is challenging traditional models of theological education.
“U.S. seminaries have long operated on an extractive model,” said Scott Ostlund, Garrett’s vice president for enrollment management. “We’re asking: how do we offer resources without assuming we hold all the wisdom?”
The partnership is built on mutual learning and respect, with African voices shaping the curriculum and direction of the program.
“Moving beyond extractive models, this exchange amplifies both institutions’ unique gifts to meet the world’s pressing needs,” said Javier A. Viera, Garrett’s president. ‘From collaborations in religion and public health to training clergy who will serve rapidly growing African parishes, we are shaping servant leaders and strengthening communities.”
The United Methodist Church’s Global Mission
Jeanette Dadzie, director of advancement and public affairs at Africa University, sees the collaboration as a strategic investment in the continent’s future.
The MEF funding has been instrumental in launching and sustaining the initiative.
Dadzie echoed the significance of MEF’s role in empowering African seminary students. “The GBHEM MEF grant has been catalytic,” she said. “It ensures that African seminary students are not only supported financially but are also exposed to training that is both globally informed and contextually relevant. This investment equips future church leaders to respond faithfully to Africa’s challenges and opportunities, empowering them to serve with excellence and a deep commitment to the continent’s growth.”
Dadzie emphasized the partnership is more than academic — it’s a living embodiment of The United Methodist Church’s global mission.
“This program is a living expression of the connectional spirit of The United Methodist Church,” she said. “By linking Africa University and Garrett in a shared mission, it reflects John Wesley’s vision of ‘the world as our parish.’ It models how global partnerships can work hand in hand — strengthening local contexts while fostering unity, mutual learning and a shared calling to transform the world.”
Ostlund says the success of the Africa University partnership could serve as a blueprint for future global collaborations.
Your Generous Support Helps Educate Africa
By supporting the Africa University Fund apportionment, you help provide financial support for the general operating expenses of Africa University. This university helps empower students from across the continent of Africa to give back to their individual countries on their return home. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
excerpt from a story by Wendy R. Cromwell, General Board of Higher Education website
This story shows the impact of the Africa University Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to equip new generations of leaders for the African continent. Your church’s giving supports Africa University in Zimbabwe, where students from across Africa receive higher education rooted in faith, excellence, and service. Together, we help shape leaders who transform their nations and communities.
When your church supports the Africa University Fund, you empower students to become changemakers grounded in hope and faith.
