Global Methodist Church Reports 50% Growth in Two Years Following UMC Split

The split of the United Methodist Church has led to the emergence of the Global Methodist Church, a conservative denomination that has experienced significant growth. Launched in 2022 amid deep theological divisions within the UMC, the GMC has expanded rapidly, increasing its number of congregations from approximately 4,700 in 2024 to 7,250 today. This growth reflects a shift in the religious landscape, with many congregations choosing to align with the GMC’s more traditional theological stance.

The GMC’s expansion is evident in its organizational structure, which has grown from 36 annual conferences in 2024 to 50 regional bodies this year. The denomination’s 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, saw over 1,100 attendees, underscoring its growing influence and global reach. This development highlights the GMC’s ability to adapt and thrive in the wake of the UMC’s internal conflicts.

The theological disagreements that led to the split centered on issues such as biblical sexuality, same-sex relationships, and the direction of the denomination’s teachings. These disputes culminated in the UMC’s decision in 2024 to eliminate longstanding restrictions on same-sex weddings and the ordination of openly LGBTQ clergy. This move sparked further division, with many congregations disaffiliating from the UMC and joining the GMC.

The fallout from these theological fractures has extended beyond the UMC, affecting affiliated institutions and agencies. For instance, Asbury Theological Seminary was removed from the UMC’s list of approved seminaries after disagreements over the denomination’s revised Social Principles on sexuality and marriage. The seminary’s president, David Watson, emphasized the institution’s commitment to the traditional Christian teaching that marriage is between one man and one woman.

Similarly, a United Methodist agency faced backlash for supporting proposed federal protections that included access to gender-related medical procedures for adolescents. These incidents illustrate the broader impact of the denomination’s internal divisions on its affiliated organizations and communities.

In Texas, the Horizon Texas Conference has entered a legal battle with the Highland Park Methodist Church over governance and denominational authority. Such conflicts highlight the challenges faced by the UMC and its splinter groups as they navigate the complexities of church leadership and authority.

Despite these challenges, the GMC is not merely surviving the split. It is actively shaping itself as a global denomination with its own distinct identity and structure. Rev. Mike Schafer, the GMC’s connectional operations officer, noted the denomination’s transformation, stating, “We left Costa Rica 707 days ago a bunch of former United Methodists. Today, we are the Global Methodist Church.”

The Johannesburg conference marked a significant step in this transformation, as delegates addressed the denomination’s Articles of Faith, leadership structure, and an ecumenical covenant with the Korean Methodist Church. These developments signal the GMC’s commitment to building a cohesive and globally recognized denomination.

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