Sowing Seeds That Multiply: The Global Methodist Church at Exponential 2026

 Some gatherings are important events on a calendar; others become turning points. 

March 17-19, leaders from across the Global Methodist Church gathered in Orlando for Exponential Global 2026, the world’s largest gathering of church‑planting and multiplication leaders. The conference’s theme, “Multiplier: How Healthy Leaders Create Lasting Impact,” was more than a slogan; it was a summons to intentional development. With more than five thousand pastors, planters and practitioners in attendance, Exponential offered five main sessions, four rounds of workshops and seven additional hours of pre‑conference equipping. The GMC did not just show up; we showed up as a partner and participant with a clear conviction: every congregation must begin preparing for future multiplication.

Why This Matters Now

The Kingdom Advancement Commission gathered ahead of Exponential to pray, share updates, and strategize before joining the wider Exponential gathering. On Tuesday morning, pastors and leaders from across the connection joined the first‑ever GMC Pre‑Conference Rally where Patrick O’Connell, Director of Practice for Exponential, challenged those present to think beyond maintenance toward movement. A panel of Global Methodist planters and multipliers shared hard‑won insights, and roundtable discussions sparked relationships and cross-pollination of ideas across our young denomination. On Wednesday a GMC luncheon brought seventy‑five pastors and leaders together to hear about the continued development of the denomination across the globe. Max Wilkins, Team Leader for Church Multiplication for the Kingdom Advancement Commission (KAC), reminded us of our identity: “We are disciples who make disciples who make disciples and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.” These moments embodied the energy and momentum God is stirring among us. As Paul Lawler, senior pastor of Christ Methodist Church in Memphis, TN and vice-chair of the Commission, put it: “This is the time for white‑hot vision casting!”

Why the urgency? Research suggests denominations must start new churches at a rate of roughly three percent of their congregations every year just to stave off decline. The KAC has therefore set a goal: planting 3,700 congregations globally by 2033. When we look at our heritage we learn that for a number of years early Methodists were planting on average 700 new churches per year; not from a desire to preserve the past or build an institution, rather they multiplied disciples in order to advance the mission. Our emerging church must rediscover that zeal. Multiplication will not happen by default; it requires intentional preparation in every congregation now, while the concrete of our structures is still wet.

Exponential’s theme underscored this truth: healthy leaders create lasting impact. We reproduce who we are; if our congregations prioritize prayer, disciple making and sending, we will multiply those values across the globe. The rally and luncheon were not about hype; they were about returning to our roots as a connectional people called to save souls and spread scriptural holiness. Our multiplication efforts must therefore be grounded in prayer, gospel zeal and the means of grace.

A Vision of What Could Be

Participation at Exponential signaled that the GMC is serious about becoming a multiplication movement. Being listed among the conference sponsors placed us alongside networks and ministries committed to reproduction. Our table presence allowed hundreds of leaders to learn about the GMC’s mission. The pre‑conference rally and luncheon demonstrated that we are not content to observe from the sidelines; we are committed to equipping pastors and laity to lead the way.

Action Steps for your Church and Annual Conference

Preparation for multiplication is not just for denominational leaders. It begins in every local church. Here are concrete steps congregations can take now:

Pray intentionally for laborers. Jesus’ first command regarding the harvest was to pray (Luke 10:2). Form prayer teams that ask God to raise up planters, disciplers and missionaries from within your congregation - and put out that call regularly.

Identify and develop emerging leaders. Create intentional pathways for apprenticeships. Encourage laypersons with gifting and character to lead small groups, teach classes and shadow pastors. For those who sense a calling to take an intentional step into something new, consider participating in the GMC Multipliers Learning Community with Exponential to equip leaders to make paradigm shifts and mobilize their group or congregation. (The GMC has reserved 25 spots in the upcoming MLC. Learn more here: GMC MLC)

Start disciple‑making groups that multiply. Strengthen your congregation’s class and band meetings so that deep discipleship and accountability flow out with a zeal to connect the lost and wandering. Teach simple methods of evangelism and discipleship that anyone can use, and shift your scorecard to measure success by reproduction, not retention.

Prepare to plant. Begin praying about where God might be calling your church to send a planting team. Contact your Annual Conference or the KAC for coaching. Form partnerships with other GMC congregations to plant together. Research shows new churches reach more unchurched people.

Commit to attend Exponential. Bring teams of pastors and leaders to Exponential 2027 or regional conferences. Learning alongside thousands of like‑minded believers will stir faith and sharpen strategy. Consider bringing a team from your Annual Conference and/or church. 

Rallying Cry

Exponential Global 2026 was not the culmination of our multiplication journey; it was a catalyst. The Kingdom Advancement Commission’s time of prayer and planning, and our growing presence at gatherings like Exponential, signal that the Holy Spirit is weaving together a movement of multiplication within the Global Methodist Church. Yet, the early days of movements are fragile. If we fail to act now - if we assume multiplication will happen automatically - we will drift into maintenance. As Wes Griffin, chair of the Kingdom Advancement Commission, observed, “Exponential isn’t just a gathering of leaders; it’s a catalyst that provides a common language and helps us think differently about how we might advance the Kingdom of God.”

The future of the GMC will be shaped not by the size of our gatherings but by the faithfulness of our sending. Let us prepare now for that future. Let each pastor, layperson, and congregation take up the call to pray, develop leaders, and plant new communities. Let us join hands across Conferences and continents, trusting that the God who empowered the early Methodists will reignite our missional zeal once again.

Zach Kingery is an elder in the Global Methodist Church and serves as Kingdom Advancement's GMC Multiplication Coordinator for North America and Multiplication Team Leader for the Upper Midwest Conference. He is also the GMC representative for Dirt Roads Network. Zach provided key leadership for the GMC at Exponential 2026.