Global Methodist Church Surpasses 7,000 Member Congregations

The Global Methodist Church (GMC) has officially surpassed 7,000 member congregations, marking a significant milestone in its formation as a theologically conservative alternative to the United Methodist Church (UMC). The announcement was made through the GMC’s Facebook page, highlighting the growth of the denomination since its launch in 2022. This development comes months after the GMC crossed the 6,000-congregation threshold, reflecting a shift in the UMC’s internal dynamics over the past few years.

The GMC was established amid a schismatic debate within the UMC regarding the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals and the blessing of same-sex unions. These issues had long been a source of division, with many theological liberals in the UMC refusing to follow or enforce the denomination’s Book of Discipline. The GMC emerged as a response to these tensions, offering a framework for congregations seeking a more conservative theological direction.

Bishop Mark J. Webb of the GMC expressed gratitude for the denomination’s growth, attributing it to the faithfulness of God and the commitment of its members to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance. He emphasized the transformative power of Jesus Christ in each congregation, stating that the milestone reflects the denomination’s dedication to making disciples and spreading scriptural holiness globally.

The path to the GMC’s formation began in 2020 when a group of 16 UMC leaders proposed a separation protocol to create a pathway for churches disaffiliating over the LGBT-related debate. The protocol also aimed to establish a theologically conservative denomination for those congregations. However, the UMC General Conference, where the protocol was set to be considered, was postponed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In March 2022, GMC organizers announced the launch of the new denomination in May, without waiting for the postponed General Conference to approve the protocol. Over the following years, thousands of congregations disaffiliated from the UMC, with many joining the GMC and other emerging denominations. This movement underscored the deepening divide within the UMC and the growing desire among some congregations to align with a more conservative theological vision.

The GMC’s growth reflects a broader trend within Protestant denominations, where theological differences have led to the formation of new church bodies. As the GMC continues to expand, it remains focused on its mission of discipleship and scriptural holiness, seeking to embody the values of the Wesleyan tradition. The denomination’s journey highlights the complex interplay of doctrine, leadership, and congregational choice in shaping the future of Christian communities.

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