NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 15, 2019 – The board of directors for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) has announced plans to appoint Rev. Greg Bergquist as the agency’s acting general secretary in June. Bergquist will take charge of GBHEM following the retirement of Rev. Dr. Kim Cape, who recently shared her intention to step down as general secretary in 2019.
The board voted unanimously to install Bergquist as acting general secretary for GBHEM, which serves as the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church. As part of the board’s leadership transition plan, Bergquist will hold the position at least through General Conference 2020.
Greg Bergquist
Rev. Greg Bergquist
“Greg has a proven track record of leadership both at GBHEM and within the wider United Methodist Church connection,” said Bishop William McAlilly, president of the GBHEM board of directors. “He is well-versed in the leadership needs of The United Methodist Church and he has shown a passion for the kind of creativity and innovation that is so vital to GBHEM’s mission.”
Bergquist is GBHEM’s current associate general secretary for the Division of Ordained Ministry. Prior to joining the agency, he was the conference superintendent for leadership development with the California-Nevada Annual Conference. He also served as a pastor for nearly 20 years and was an assistant professor of United Methodist studies at the Pacific School of Religion.
In addition to his leadership experience, the board selected Bergquist because of his depth of experience with local churches across the United States. Although his most recent appointments were with the California-Nevada Annual Conference, Bergquist has also worked directly with congregations in Florida, Georgia and Texas.
“Rev. Bergquist’s ability to envision a world transformed by God’s grace, his deep theological understanding and commitment to who we are as United Methodists, and his love for God’s people and their preparation for vital ministry, will bless the church and the world as he serves as acting general secretary of GBHEM,” said Bishop Minerva Carcaño. Carcaño is Bergquist’s conference bishop and approved his official appointment as acting general secretary.
In accepting the position, Bergquist noted the incredible level of achievement the agency has seen under Cape and shared his excitement at the opportunity to continue her legacy.
“The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is steeped in a rich tradition of service and we have a robust vision for the future,” he said. “While it’s true that the church is in a time of transition, that does not mean we can remain static. We cannot afford to simply watch and wait before General Conference 2020. Our work to cultivate the next generation of leaders is now more critical to the church than ever before.”
After Bergquist becomes acting general secretary in June, Cape will step into an advisory role and remain with the agency as a consultant through the end of the year.
“The board of directors has made an excellent choice with Greg,” said Cape. “I look forward to working with him on the transition and I know he will lead GBHEM to even greater heights in 2019.”
Katie Tait writes for the office of marketing and communications at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.