Texas Global Methodists Form New Annual Conference Amid Denominational Shift

Rev. Jim Welch, President Pro Tempore of Eastern Texas Global Methodists, declared at their inaugural annual conference session, “We are no longer a transitional conference—we are an annual conference!” The event, held February 2-4 on the campus of Christ Methodist Church in College Station, attracted around 1,000 participants. Most were members who had recently transferred from the United Methodist Church’s (UMC) eastern Texas annual conference, as well as some from Arkansas and Louisiana. Leaders from Global Methodism’s Mid-Texas and West Plains Annual Conferences also attended as observers. With 254 congregations, the Eastern Texas Global Methodist Annual Conference is already larger than many United Methodist annual conferences.

The conference ordained a large class of 90 individuals, many of whom were previously United Methodist ministers transitioning to the Global Methodist Church. The simplified structure of the Global Methodist Church includes only two categories of clergy, unlike the more complex system of the United Methodist Church, which includes categories such as “non-ordained clergy.”

The conference was marked by a positive and forward-looking tone. Bishop Scott Jones, in his episcopal address, emphasized the church’s commitment to welcoming all, stating, “If you joined this church because you hate LGBTQ people, you’re in the wrong place!” He also denounced white supremacy and affirmed support for women in ministry, receiving enthusiastic applause. Pastor Tim Turner expressed excitement about being part of a denomination committed to engaging younger generations.

The event featured ministry workshops, a limited business session, and messages from Jones, Welch, Kenneth Livingston, Heather Sims, and Jerry House. Attendees described the conference as encouraging, uplifting, and focused on making disciples of Jesus Christ without controversy or division. A longtime United Methodist leader noted that the opening worship was the most powerful she had experienced in her years of church involvement. One pastor shared how it was moving to attend a Methodist annual conference without the awkwardness of sitting next to liberal leaders he had previously felt at odds with.

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