EUROPE

Welcome to the Europe Region homepage of the Methodist GLOBAL EDUCATION FUND for Leadership Development.

Methodist education has a long tradition in Europe, starting with John Wesley’s founding of Kingswood School in 1748. Since then, many other schools, colleges, theological seminaries and universities related to the Methodist tradition have been created, and important initiatives to promote leadership development for clergy and lay people have been implemented.

England, the birthplace of Methodism, continues to be an important partner in many programs, especially through its many schools and colleges. Germany holds a position of leadership in the European context, especially in theological studies and innovative programs for lay leaders offered through the Bildungswerk of The United Methodist Church. The Moscow Theological Seminary continues to be a reference and important point of contact in Russia, serving also as an important link between Europe and Asia.

The Methodist GLOBAL EDUCATION FUND has collaborated with a network of Methodist-related theological schools in Europe, which bring together institutions from England, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Through the connection with Methodist-related schools, colleges, seminaries, universities and other institutions in Europe, innovative global education based on the Wesleyan tradition is promoted around the world.

We are excited about our progress with European partners to offer leadership development. Since 2004, the Methodist GLOBAL EDUCATION FUND has established connections with churches, hospitals, social service agencies and theological seminaries in Europe. For example, the fund collaborated with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Division of Ministry to offer support to the Moscow Theological Seminary and the E-Academy while working with the board’s Division of Higher Education to provide technical assistance to Wesley House and other educational institutions in England.

Based on the current situation in Europe and the potentials for global Methodist education, we are now establishing a Methodist GLOBAL EDUCATION FUND office in Europe. This office will work closely with longtime Higher Education and Ministry partners such as Reutlingen School of Theology, Germany; Oxford Brokes University and Roehampton University, England; Metodistkirkens Studiesenter, Norway; Moscow Theological Seminary, Russia; and Metodistkyrkans Nordiska Teologiska Seminarium, Sweden, to promote global Methodist education in Europe and strengthen partnerships with other areas of the world.