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Discipleship Ministries is officially the new name of the general agency of The United Methodist Church known for years as the General Board of Discipleship, or GBOD.

The Rev. Timothy L. Bias, general secretary of the agency in Nashville, Tennessee, announced the name change, which includes new addresses for the website and agency personnel emails. 

The shift in name “was an intentional decision to more clearly communicate the work we do for The United Methodist Church,” Bias said. “On one level, we are adopting a ministry position. We want to listen and develop resources that help leaders make disciples and transform the world. The process of disciple making is essential as we seek to develop and sustain vital congregations. 

“On another level, we are a United Methodist Church agency. Changing our name to reflect our work and using the official United Methodist cross-and-flame logo helps us to be in alignment with the ministry and mission of the denomination,” Bias said.

The agency board approved the name change in July 2014, and the new name has been used unofficially since mid-September.

Discipleship Ministries is phasing out the names “General Board of Discipleship” and “GBOD” in its communications and marketing. The former name will continue to be included in the United Methodist Book of Discipline.

The URL for the agency’s website is now UMCdiscipleship.org. Email addresses have changed to [name]@UMCdiscipleship.org. 

During a transition period, the former URL and email addresses will go automatically to the new locations.

Adapted from Discipleship Ministries news release, March 4, 2015