The Global Methodist Church has dropped United Theological Seminary from its approved clergy training schools, citing doctrinal differences as divisions within Methodism continue reshaping pastoral education.
The Dayton, Ohio, institution had been approved by the denomination since 2024. A GMC spokesperson told The Christian Post that the decision followed a review by its Ministry and Higher Education Commission.
“The Commission’s review identified differences in doctrinal commitments, institutional alignment, and clergy formation,” the spokesperson said. “It concluded that United did not sufficiently align with the GMC’s standards for institutions preparing its clergy.”
The decision follows another significant break involving Methodist clergy education.
As Charisma reported in June, the United Methodist Church removed Asbury Theological Seminary from its approved schools following disagreements over the denomination’s revised positions on sexuality and marriage. Asbury maintained its biblical commitment to marriage between one man and one woman.
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The GMC has not specified the doctrinal disagreements behind its decision in the comments reported by The Christian Post.
UTS President Mark Teasdale disputed the characterization of the separation.
“The decision was not prompted by a difference in mission, vision or values,” Teasdale told The Christian Post. “The GMC is at an early stage in the development of its denominational identity, having just clarified the Articles of Faith.”
Teasdale said the seminary had developed courses for GMC ordination candidates and established a GMC House of Study offering mentorship and required coursework. That program will remain active.
GMC students who enroll at UTS on or before Dec. 31, 2026, may complete their current programs and have them recognized toward applicable educational requirements. They must still meet candidacy and ordination requirements.
The GMC now lists 10 approved educational institutions. Among them is Asbury Theological Seminary, which retains the conservative denomination’s approval after losing the UMC’s.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
