Published on December 1, 2025 by Neal Embry  
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The Global Methodist Church (GMC) has approved Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School as one of just six partner seminaries in the United States for a six-year term, reaffirming Beeson’s ability to train Wesleyan students to serve in the denomination. 

In their approval letter, the GMC’s Commission on Ministry and Higher Education noted Beeson’s value in “forming one of the vital formational components to the training of our future clergy in the Global Methodist Church.” 

Timothy Tennent, Methodist Chair of Divinity, said it is a “great honor” for Beeson to be one of the only seminaries in the nation to be approved to train GMC pastors. 

“This is reflected in our commitment to train all Global Methodist students in historic orthodoxy in the Wesleyan accent through our in-person, face-to-face mentoring, which is the distinguishing mark of Beeson’s unique role in theological education,” Tennent said. 

Dean Douglas Sweeney said the school is excited to participate in the denomination’s efforts to grow globally and advance the Gospel. 

“We are so excited about our relationship with the GMC, for it enables us to train the next generation of orthodox Methodist pastors and participate in the global reach of the GMC as well, advancing the Gospel far and wide until the Lord returns in glory,” Sweeney said. 

Beeson offers a Certificate in Wesleyan Studies program to Wesleyan students earning or already in possession of a Master of Divinity from Beeson. The certificate program, along with other required courses for Methodist students, will allow them to be ordained in the Global Methodist Church, as well as other denominations in the Wesleyan tradition. 

Beeson recently received a generous, anonymous donation to fund full-tuition scholarships for Master of Divinity students. Learn more or start your application today! 

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second-highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.