Align

Denominational discernment included a rigorous assessment of options, including several other Methodist denominations and independent network affiliations. After careful consideration, Mt. Horeb's Way Forward Leadership Team is recommending affiliation with the Global Methodist Church (GMC). Our Administrative Council unanimously agrees with this recommendation.

As a start-up denomination, the GMC offers the truest expression of Wesleyan Methodism while also offering Mt. Horeb the greatest opportunity to contribute to its growth in meaningful and long-lasting ways. Recognizing this historic moment in the life of the church, the Way Forward Leadership Team seeks to advance its mission in ways that are mutually fruitful for both Mt. Horeb and the GMC.

WHY the GMC?

Except for the Global Methodist Church, the top five largest Methodist denominations in the United States require some form of the trust clause, which requires the denomination to own church buildings and property. Following the completion of the Agreement to Separate with the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, Mt. Horeb Church will take complete ownership of its property and assets.

While independent Methodist networks offer an organic and nimble approach to ministry, they are mainly associated with senior pastors and prefer to exist in groups of 12-24 churches. Structure and accountability are highly relational, and yet also informal. For these reasons, Mt. Horeb’s leadership believes the network model lacks the depth, breadth, and formal accountability Mt. Horeb Church seeks in a far-reaching, global connection.

In comparison, the GMC model is being created with a leaner organizational structure, giving more autonomy and authority to local congregations while maintaining strong connectional ties for its member clergy and congregations — and ties that are rooted in the original Wesleyan standards of the Christian faith. Following in the traditions established by John and Charles Wesley, the GMC serves all who wish to join in a “methodical,” warm-hearted pursuit of loving God and serving others as Jesus’ disciples in the world.

Mt. Horeb believes the GMC affiliation option to be the strongest fit in the following areas:

  • Theology – A refreshed, fully aligned expression of traditional Wesleyan Christianity
  • Connection – Development of a broad network of like-minded clergy and congregations
  • Next Generation Leaders – Training and equipping Gen Z for ministry in the 21st century
  • Church Planting – Starting new faith communities in response to the Great Commission
  • Global Reach – Practice in all of these areas on a worldwide scale

WHY NOW?

  • The optimal time to make the biggest impact on the GMC is right now, during the start-up phases of the new denomination. Serving in leadership roles, developing resource materials, and facilitating clergy training and development are just a few examples of immediate involvement. Mt. Horeb has a unique opportunity to help develop the GMC’s structure, systems, and spirit in ways that will not be possible by waiting to join later.
  • Revival is here. Gen Z-age students are seeking the very presence of God. We want to see our student and young adult ministries thrive. Young leaders are expressing their desire to enter full-time ministry. Mt. Horeb sees this as an opportunity to invest in a revitalized model to carry our traditional, Wesleyan faith across the next generation and generations to come.
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