A New Day for Women's Ministry
By Katy Kiser
The Global Methodist Church Women’s Ministry is connecting women in annual conferences and building a prayerful network that is in tune to the Holy Spirit.
As the Global Methodist Church was formed leading up to the official launch in May of 2022, the best minds in Methodism began to pray and envision a renewed and empowered Methodist movement. Many questions were being asked, one of those questions was, “Will the GMC offer something official for women?”
It was never in doubt that women would play important roles in both the clergy and laity of the GMC. During the days of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, women leaders began to dialog among themselves and pray seeking the Lord’s plan for women’s ministry in what became the GMC. A scripture emerged from Isaiah 43:18-20, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing!”
And a “new thing” for women was birthed – a ministry that prioritized prayer, the leading of the Holy Spirit, spiritual growth, a renewed commitment to the great commission, and commitment to the Methodist movement. Under the guidance of the provisional leadership team headed by Rev. Keith Boyette, Global Methodist Women’s Ministries was formed. Co-chairpersons, Judy Graham and Katy Kiser were put in place. They in turn developed a task force of women who represent local churches in countries and continents around the globe.
This team began by affirming that all priorities would be in line with those in the mission and vision statements of the GMC. The task force identified coordinators for each annual conference and developed a list of resources for the local church.
Today, the annual conference coordinators are doing significant work providing connection for women. Their creativity is inspiring women in their own conferences and others as well. One conference has developed resources for understanding our Wesleyan distinctives that can be used weekly, monthly or in any number of ways. Another holds an annual luncheon featuring excellent talks by noteworthy female leaders. Still another had over 700 women gather for a day long retreat. Their ideas are endless.
Women have a distinct role to play, and as Bishop Carolyn Moore has written, “Men and women are built for partnership.” It is in partnership that the Global Methodist Women’s Ministry joins the entire GMC to create community and meaningful connections for women within the church.
To learn more, contact the Global Methodist Women’s Ministry through your annual conference coordinator and join the women's ministry on Facebook. View all annual conferences here.