The Center for Global Pastoral Ministry

The Center for Global Pastoral Ministry at The Iliff School of Theology exists to provide service, teaching, learning, and research opportunities related to global theological education consistent with the mission of the church. Established in 2001, the Center seeks to provide learning opportunities for students, faculty, alumni/ae and trustees of Iliff, as well as other church leaders. Ecumenical in perspective and participation, the Center, in particular, endeavors to be responsive to the needs of The United Methodist Church (including central conferences) and autonomous Methodist Churches, in their commitment to global mission and pastoral ministry.

The Center seeks to embody Iliff’s commitment to model for the church and theological education how to serve in partnership with Christians, and Methodists in particular, throughout the globe in addressing issues of mission and ministry in the world. The Center was involved in educational programs related to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic in India and Africa, regional "partnerships in mission and ministry programs" in Europe and Latin America, a "trialogue" of theologians from Korea, Latin America and the USA, and the Russia United Methodist Theological Seminary in Moscow. Former Senator and Presidential Nominee, Ambassador George S. McGovern spoke on campus about world hunger and issues of war and peace. Dr. Nalina Arles, professor of pastoral care and counseling at United Theological College, Bangalore, India, was the first visiting scholar on campus. In 2002-2003 the Center funded Dr. Hector Virgilio Castaneda Juarez of Guatemala as the Louise Iliff Visiting Professor and Scholar at the Center. Dr. Jong Chun Park, Professor of Systematic Theology, Seoul, Korea, was Visiting Scholar for the Spring and Summer of 2003. Sponsored by Iliff, the Center depends on grants from constituent donors for program support.