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A BRIEF OVERVIEW
As traditionalists look to other conservative expressions of Methodism, there is a desire to retain the classic Wesleyan model of congregational connectionalism — that is, moving together in the direction of growth and renewal not as individual churches, but as a network of churches that are theologically and socially aligned.
Mt. Horeb’s Way Forward Team and our Administrative Council recognizes the value in maintaining the connectional model to uphold its historic, Wesleyan tradition and laying the groundwork for future growth and vitality that only comes in shared community.
Currently, one Methodist denomination offers Mt. Horeb viable opportunities for connection, renewal and revival in the future: the Global Methodist Church.
Launched on May 1, 2022, the Global Methodist Church (GMC) is the new expression of traditional, Wesleyan theology. The GMC is the result of a multiyear collaboration of The Wesley Covenant Association, Good News, the Confessing Movement and other conservative stakeholders within the UMC.
As a new denomination, the GMC’s structure and administration are early in development. It is led by Bishop Scott Jones, Bishop Mark Webb, Transitional Connectional Officer Keith Boyette and a 17-member Transitional Leadership Council representing congregations and clergy in the United States, the Philippines, Eastern Europe and Africa. Its inaugural general conference is set to convene 12-18 months from now. The GMC model is being created with a leaner organizational structure, giving more autonomy and authority to local congregations while maintaining strong cross-connectional ties.
MISSION
To make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.
CORE BELIEFS
That the one God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – has created all things; that Jesus Christ, through the power of His cross and resurrection, is the Lord and Savior of all the world; and that the Holy Spirit empowers the people of His church to worship and praise God and to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world in word and deed.
DENOMINATIONAL SIZE
As of late June 2023, the GMC includes 2,700 congregations worldwide and adds more than 100 new congregations weekly.
ACCOUNTABILITY
The GMC has an enhanced system of accountability for clergy and bishops including a judicial process, committee on investigation and global trial court. The GMC carries the option to involuntarily disaffiliate congregations that are found to be in non-compliance of doctrines or disciplines. Bishops serve within a defined leadership term and then return to ministry in the local church. Clergy are not guaranteed appointments.
WOMEN CLERGY
The GMC affirms the calling and ordination of women into the clergy at all levels.
DIVERSITY
As a global denomination with member churches in Angola, Bulgaria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, England, Panama, the Philippines, Slovakia and the United States, the GMC is committed to ethnic and racial diversity, and insists on the equal treatment of all church members.
TRUST CLAUSE
The GMC does not have a trust clause. Member churches maintain complete ownership of property and assets throughout their affiliation with the GMC.
MARRIAGE AND SEXUALITY
The GMC views human sexuality as a gift of God. Marriage is affirmed and defined as a covenant of loving and monogamous relations between one man and one woman. The GMC welcomes all persons, including LGBTQIA+, while maintaining its traditional, biblical teachings regarding sexual relations.
Go to Globalmethodist.org for more detailed information on the Global Methodist Church