Across The Globe NEWSLETTER

The Ministry and Higher Education Commission, in collaboration with its Committee on Approval, is pleased to announce the completion of the approval process for our previously recommended institutions of higher learning. The following have been approved with the status of Six Years , Three Year Provisional and Temporary Status . Six Year Approval Asbury Theological Seminary Beeson Divinity School at Samford University Oklahoma Wesleyan (for International Students Only) Truett Theological Seminary, at Baylor University Wesley Biblical Seminary West Africa Theological Seminary Three Year Provisional Approval Ashland Theological Seminary Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University Temporary Status/Approval Process to begin July 31, 2026 *United Theological Seminary * The Committee on Approval and Ministry & Higher Education Commission looks forward to revisiting the approval process with United Theological Seminary leadership once a new president has been secured. The institutions that received provisional status will be able to apply for passage of their full status at any time once the conditions needed to satisfy their full approval are met. All institutions shall be required to be reviewed after their sixth year of approval status or every seven years, in accordance with Paragraph 810.3 of the Book of Doctrines and Discipline . We are very grateful for the patience and valuable feedback of these recommended partners through the process, and we look forward to working with each of them as approved partners given they form one of the vital formational components to the training of our clergy in the Global Methodist Church. Clergy candidates beginning their education January 1, 2026, shall be required to utilize the invaluable partnerships of our following fully or provisionally approved educational partners. Clergy candidates may select from either a degreed program or course of study if the approved partner has one. The course requirements for deacon and elder may be found in 507.3 and 507.4 (BDD), and our educational partners have demonstrated their proficiency in having the necessary courses to meet these educational requirements. Clergy candidates who enrolled prior to January 1, 2026 and remain enrolled may complete their education at their current institution. Beginning January 1, 2026, unenrolled clergy candidates will be required to utilize one of our approved educational partners. The Ministry and Higher Education Commission, as well as the Committee on Approval, looks forward to working with new institutions who desire to seek approval via our process. Those institutions interested in applying may do so through the website at globalmethodist.org .

"A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria...But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went." - Acts 8: 1, 4 NLT The Global Methodist Church invites you and your church to join in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) on Sunday, November 2, 2025. This is a unique opportunity to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world as we lift our voices together. The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is a time each year set aside to pray for Christians who stand as bold witnesses in the world’s most difficult and dangerous places to follow Christ. During this time, we enter into fellowship with these brothers and sisters by praying for their families, their needs and their ministries. We encourage the GMC family to set aside Sunday, November 2 to observe IDOP corporately during worship services and individually during personal prayer. Many of those that live daily with persecution are found in the 10-40 window of the globe. This land area is between 10 and 40 degrees north latitude, stretching from West Africa to southeast Asia and includes the majority of the world’s population of Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. This is a part of the world where there is much poverty and difficulty in living day to day. Being a Christian here is dangerous, yet those who live here share their faith passionately with non-Christians knowing what it could cost them. More than 380 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith. 1 in 7 Christians are persecuted worldwide. 1 in 5 Christians are persecuted in Africa. 2 in 5 Christians are persecuted in Asia. More Christians were killed in the 20th century for their faith in Jesus Christ than in the first 19 centuries of the Church. Christians around the world are targeted for persecution more than any other religious group. Resources are available to help you and your church observe IDOP. Prayer guides, small group studies, sermon outlines, slides, bulletin inserts, videos and more are available at: Global Christian Relief https://globalchristianrelief.org/resources/idop-2025/ Open Doors USA https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/getinvolved/resources/idop-resources/ Voice of the Martyrs www.persecution.com/idop/ Join us in a prayer for the persecuted church: Gracious Lord, We thank You for our Christian brothers and sisters around the world who accept the risk of bearing witness to Your love and grace and of faithfully leading and teaching Your people in the world’s hardest places to be a Christian. May these Christian leaders, who are often the first targets of persecution, know the power of Your presence both in times of victory and in days of weariness and loneliness. Bring them reminders from Your Word and love from Your people to sustain them in their work and worship. As they bear the yoke of leadership in the church, we pray that they will experience the lightness of a yoke shared with You, and will find peace and refreshment as they rest in You. May their courage and faithfulness be a vivid example to the churches they lead and to the persecutors who seek to wound Your Church. Lord, through Your love and grace, encourage the hearts of these church leaders today, strengthening them in every good work and word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Katy Kiser

The Kenya Annual Conference is dedicated to pursuing God’s work with passion and zeal. The conference aims to bring community and self-sustainability to local churches and communities. The KAC-Development Investment Fund was created by the Kenya Annual Conference under the direction of the 2025 Conference session at Dr, B.T. Cooper Memorial School in Kayole Nairobi. This fund was created locally by Kenya's Global Methodist churches and is distributed according to the evaluation of each local church's capacity. In order for the KAC to fulfill its ministry responsibilities, churches agreed to contribute between approximately $40 and $400 U.S. dollars each year. Churches agreed to invest the funds after a specific time period to work toward self-sustainability. The fund's primary goals are to enhance the conference's financial foundation, increase resources and support its developmental prospects. Long-lasting impacts that fortify local communities are produced by the fund, which fosters unity and a shared goal among local congregations and helps the Conference become self-sustaining, self-propagating, and self-supporting. In order to support the church and raise money for its ministers, the conference encourages congregations to launch modest business ventures. Missions-minded, the Kenya Annual Conference coordinates outreaches at House Grace Gigil-Nakuru District, Mikingirini in Kilifi and at Dirakho GMC to inspire members in spreading scriptural holiness across different communities. The conference ordained 5 elders and 22 deacons from 2024-2025, performed 30 baptisms, saw 44 confirmations and 170 new professions of faith. Conference superintendent Rev. Wilton Odongo led and prioritized discipleship in the local church, traveling to every district to teach leaders, pastors and laypeople about the Global Methodist Church and the depth of its worship. To support the need for ministry education for pastors, Bishop Jeff Greenway taught more than 50 pastors at the Wesleyan Methodist Training College in Nairobi last October. The conference also offered regional pastor training hubs to develop skills, educate on Methodism and teach on church administration and structural organization in Kakuma, Turkana and North Coast regions. The conference currently seeks retired clergy members who are willing to donate their time and resources to teach or empower Kenyan pastors and leaders. The conference signed a memorandum of understanding in June with the Allegheny West Annual Conference, pairing districts together and developing relationships with pastors to strengthen the power of the connection. Through this partnership, Allegheny West provided scholarship funds to support 45 high school and college students for 2024 and 2025, creating new opportunities for young adults and inspiring growth of church membership for very vulnerable and poor families. The Kenya Annual Conference has a three-year goal to plant 29 new churches. In April, congregants attended a church planting and multiplication workshop to create vision action plans to achieve this goal. The conference planted 19 new churches in 2024, and 37 churches joined the GMC in 2025. In total, the Kenya Annual Conference has 133 congregations across the country, with many more in the process of being planted and discipled. The conference is praying for partners, friends, and well-wishers across the connection as plans move forward to establish a ministry center. This center would provide a place where local leadership could host conferences, seminars, and workshops, while also serving as a resource to support broader initiatives such as kingdom development, mission work, scholarships for Global Methodist Church students, and economic empowerment for members. The Wesleyan Methodist Training Center (WMTC), established in 2019, continues to equip pastors and leaders. Currently operating in a rented facility that has become increasingly costly, the conference looks forward to one day having a permanent location where ministry can flourish and expand. At the same time, the conference continues to lift up local congregations facing significant challenges. Some worship in makeshift or substandard structures, while others gather under trees in unsanitary conditions that pose health risks. In particular, churches such as House of Grace—relocated last year—and Kayole St. John’s are navigating difficult circumstances and are in need of support. Access to clean water remains a critical concern, with plans to secure modern drilling equipment as a priority for the year ahead. Meanwhile, churches serving in the Turkana Region’s Kakuma refugee camps are deeply impacted by hunger and limited access to health care. Through prayer, partnership, and perseverance, the conference is working toward strengthening the witness and wellbeing of local churches and communities. To connect with the Kenya Annual Conference, email conference superintendent, Rev. Wilton Odongo at tomwilton2000@yahoo.com .

Written by Vatroslav Zupancic on behalf the Ecumenical Relationships Commission

Early in the life of the Global Methodist Church, the word “retired” was replaced with “senior members” to describe senior status clergy who are past the season of pastoring a church, but offer other gifts and insights. Ministry never concludes, it matures and the Lord guides us to new paths. For many senior members in the Upper Midwest Annual Conference, this path is known as the Jethro Project. Jethro, though not a prominent figure in Scripture, blessed God’s people through his seasoned experience and insight. As the Upper Midwest Annual Conference grows for Kingdom-building work, structural assistance is offered by the senior members of the conference. These men and women labored for decades in the church and movements that birthed the Global Methodist Church. Their passion for Christ, expertise and experience in ministry is valuable in these fledgling moments of our denomination. One of the Jethro Project’s early challenges is connecting senior members to each other. The Upper Midwest Conference encompasses a large area of the United States, which can make relationship building difficult. With early adoption from individuals living in areas across the conference map, the Jethro Project builds community and encourages sharing within the conference. The Jethro Project is heartily affirmed and supported by the Upper Midwest Conference and aims itself at the following ministries: The pastor and congregation prayer project pairs a senior member with a district to pray daily for every pastor and congregation in their assigned district and directly contact each pastor periodically to listen, encourage and pray with them. 15 of the 18 districts in the conference are being ministered to in this way. Let’s be Methodist Together , a conference retreat, has been constructed for the purposes of worship, connecting clergy and encouraging pastors to imbed Methodism in the DNA of their congregations. By October, eleven districts will have experienced the retreat. The Jethro Program made in-person seminary visits at Indiana Wesleyan University, United Theological Seminary, Asbury Theological Seminary and Wesley Biblical Seminary to build relationships with students and staff, and recruit new pastors to the Upper Midwest Annual Conference. As God grows the Upper Midwest Annual Conference, the need for spirit-filled pastors is evident. The Jethro Project passionately advocates for clergy of different cultures and ethnicities to come join us in life and ministry. This leads to the Jethro Project’s newest ministry, cross cultural coaching . Cross cultural coaching guides congregations through the benefits, opportunities and possible obstacles of employing and being spiritually led by a person of a different culture, ethnicity, or both. In addition, pastors are coached on similar topics as they prepare to lead a congregation from the majority culture. Deploying their experience and wisdom, the Jethros individually counsel, encourage and coach pastors and ministries. Jethros are in conversation with churches considering joining the Global Methodist church, and fill pulpits, lead revivals and write articles to resource the annual conference. If you are a senior member and want to know more about the Jethro project email Mike Morgan wesleyclubiowa@gmail.com

By Thomas L. Lambrecht In order to guide annual conferences in electing delegates to the 2026 General Conference, the General Conference Commission has released its projections of how many delegates each annual conference will have. The official number of delegates… The post General Conference Commission Projects 2026 Delegate Allocation first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

After years of trials and tribulations, the Bulgaria Annual Conference, comprised of Bulgarians, Roma people, Turkish-speaking people, Armenians, and 24 local churches with a total of 1,250 members, is working together in faith to overcome challenges and move towards renewal… The post Bulgaria Annual Conference first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

A Message From the Executive Director of Finance, Matt Conover Friends, When my son was in elementary and middle school, I would drop him off at school. Before he left the car each morning, I would tell him, “God has… The post 2025 Connectional Budget Is Approved first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

Commission on General Conference Releases Key Details, with More to Come in Future Weeks The Global Methodist Church is pleased to announce that the Commission on General Conference, under the leadership of Chair Rev. Mike Grant, Vice Chair, the Rev.… The post 2026 General Conference Planning Update first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

The Global Methodist Church recently reached an exciting milestone on May 1, 2025: 100 individuals have now been endorsed to serve in chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, and coaching ministries. To support this growing community, 34 participants gathered in Pella, Iowa, on April 14–15, 2025, for a historic first GMC Endorsement Training Event under the theme Building Connections. Attendees included chaplains, ministry coaches, and pastoral counselors from across the country, each committed to living out the Gospel in diverse ministry settings—from hospitals, hospices, prisons, law enforcement, military, coaching, corporate offices, and counseling centers. The training event began with opening remarks and introductions by the host, Rev. Kevin Glesener, Lead Chaplain at Vermeer Corporation. The event took place at the Vermeer Global Pavilion, located at their corporate headquarters. Rev. Glesener then introduced Rev. James Parks, our Upper Midwest Conference Superintendent, who warmly welcomed attendees and offered an opening prayer of blessing. Day one featured a keynote from Rev. Mike Schafer, Connectional Operations Officer, on the growth and strength of GMC’s connectional ministry. Sessions focused on Clinical Pastoral Education, evangelical distinctives in chaplaincy, and the challenge of engaging religious pluralism in institutional contexts. Attendees also connected in affinity groups and enjoyed an evening banquet at Liberty Street Kitchen. Mike Schafer, Stephanie Sturdivant, Gary Clore, James Parks, and Leslie Tomlinson. Day two began with a stirring devotion by Rev. Dr. Paula Payne, challenging our connectional spirit in worship as we lifted the roof with our praise. Vermeer senior chaplain, Rev. Kevin Glesener, introduced the Thrive Center’s Spiritual Health Framework, which features engaging modules on vocation, ethics, relationships, and personal virtue.Returning speakers at the Vermeer Leadership Seminar, alongside GMC clergy, Dr. Jaclyn Williams and Dr. Mary Glenn of Fuller Theological Seminary, offered timely insights that stirred both hearts and minds. Participant feedback highlighted the value of small group discussions, theological grounding, and practical resources. Key Takeaways: Chaplaincy in the GMC embraces both evangelical convictions and respectful interfaith engagement. Affinity group networking provided a meaningful foundation for peer support. Attendees resonated with the Thrive model’s holistic approach to spiritual health. Looking Forward: To build on this momentum, organizers recommend: Launching a centralized digital resource portal. Offering annual training events and expanding to a second location on the East Coast. Establishing a shepherding system for new endorsees. Continuing to elevate diverse voices within the GMC endorsement network. Strongly encourage full-time endorsed ministers to be appointed by your Annual Conference. A special thanks to Rev. Mike Schafer, Dr. Jaclyn Williams, Dr. Mary Glenn, Dr. Jack Lea, Rev. Doug Stewart, Dr. John Ruiz, and all facilitators, speakers, and volunteers. Deep gratitude also goes to event coordinator Stephanie Sturdivant, site host Kevin Glesener, and the Vermeer Charitable Foundation for their leadership and hospitality. As we celebrate 100 endorsed clergy through the Global Methodist Church, we express gratitude for a growing movement characterized by courage, care, and connection as we fulfill our GMC mission and vision. For anyone interested in endorsement, please email endorsement@globalmethodist.org or call 703-795-5705.

By Dianne Burnett In a landmark moment for the Global Methodist Church, the Assembly of Bishops gathered for their inaugural meeting from December 3-5, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. This pivotal event signified a major milestone in the life of the… The post Assembly of Bishops Gather for Historic First Meeting first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

As we reflect on the many blessings of this year, we are reminded of the Apostle Paul’s call in Colossians 3:17 to live a life of gratitude. Gratitude is not bound to a particular day or culture; it is a… The post A Thanksgiving Message: Living with Gratitude first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Dianne Burnett The Global Methodist Church continues to embody its mission of compassion and generosity by responding decisively to recent natural disasters and global health crises. Contributions to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton relief efforts in the United States… The post Generosity in Action: Supporting Communities at Home and Abroad first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Morgan Howe As preachers’ kids who grew up in The United Methodist Church, Revs. Sarah and Gabe Wanck, respectively lead pastor and associate pastor at Marion Aldersgate Church, a Global Methodist congregation in the Great Lakes Annual Conference, share… The post A Family’s Shared Experience at the GMC Conference first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.