The Ministry and Higher Education Commission Announces Process for Approving Seminaries and Educational Institutions | | |
The Ministry and Higher Education Commission, chaired by Dr. Debra Davis, has announced that the Committee on Approval has officially adopted its process for evaluating and endorsing accredited seminaries and institutions of higher learning that prepare candidates for ordained ministry.
Co-chaired by Bishop Kenneth Levingston and Rev. Dr. Brian Ebel, the Committee will begin its work this fall. On September 15, 2025, the nine currently recommended educational partners within the Global Methodist Church will be invited to complete an initial survey via webform. Once submissions are received, the Committee will meet to review and evaluate these institutions for final approval.
Looking ahead, the Committee will open the approval process to new accredited partners on October 15, 2025. This process follows a four-step, 180-day timeline, with supporting details and a one-page infographic available on the Global Methodist Church website. The online survey for new applicants will also be accessible at that time.
At present, the Committee is only accepting applications from accredited institutions. Applications from non-accredited schools, pathways, or ministerial training programs will not be considered until additional information is released later this year.
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Living Our Core Values in Action: Mid-Year Financial Update
In line with our core values of transparency, integrity, stewardship, and a deep commitment to local ministry, we are pleased to share the Mid-Year Financial Update from Matt Conover, Executive Director of Finance. This update includes a financial summary, details on income sources, an overview of expenses, and the impact behind the numbers—helping us see not just where resources are allocated, but how they are fueling ministry on the ground.
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Join us in Prayer for the 2026 General Conference
Now that we are approaching the one year mark until the 2026 General Conference, the Prayer Committee of the General Conference Commission invites you into a dedicated season of intercession. The newly released Prayer Guide, available in all six of our official languages, is designed to inform and enrich your prayers as together we seek the Lord to empower, strengthen, and lead our Global Methodist movement, all to His great glory. As you pray, may you also be enriched and empowered in His Presence.
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Join the Language Translation Services Team
In support of our mission to spread scripture holiness across the globe, the Global Methodist Church is seeking additional French and Kiswahili language specialists to translate documents from English. If you would like to learn more or explore joining our written translation services team, please email our team using the button below.
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Guardians of the Faith: New Teaching Series from the Assembly of Bishops
Watch the latest bishops teaching series: Guardians of the Faith: Episcopal Leadership in the Global Methodist Church.
Through early September, you'll receive an email directly in your inbox on Tuesdays with the latest lesson. Invite your community to join you on this journey. Set aside time each week for prayer and reflection as we seek to lead and live with integrity in the Spirit of Christ. Join in on the conversation on our social media channels.
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2026 Clergy Health Insurance Premiums Announced
The Connectional Council has approved the 2026 rates for the GMC Clergy Health Insurance Plans. You can view the full rate schedule below.
Ordinarily, GuideStone provides rate proposals in the fall. However, understanding that local churches are already preparing budgets for the coming year, GuideStone made a special effort to release the 2026 rates early—a reflection of their strong partnership with the GMC.
Rate Adjustments
Premium rates will increase by 4.5% across all plans in 2026.
While no increase is ideal, this adjustment is considered very modest in today’s health insurance market. A recent survey of 2026 employer-sponsored health insurance plans revealed anticipated increases between 6% and 8%. Marketplace (healthcare.gov) plans are expected to rise by 15%, and some major insurers have proposed hikes as high as 25–30%.
Even with the 2026 increase, our clergy health insurance rates remain slightly lower than what was charged in 2024 under a previous provider.
Open Enrollment
Open enrollment for 2026 will take place in late October. At that time, clergy may switch to any of the GMC/GuideStone plans offered.
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The four current plan options will remain the same in 2026.
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Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums will not increase.
- If no action is taken, a participant’s 2025 plan will automatically roll over into 2026.
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Still, we strongly encourage clergy to review the plans carefully and make an active choice to ensure they are enrolled in the plan that best fits their needs.
Dental and Vision
Dental and vision insurance rates will not be available until this fall. These rates are set by external vendors rather than GuideStone. Historically, they have remained stable, and if increases occur, they are generally minimal.
Keeping Costs Down
Many ask how our health insurance remains more affordable compared to the broader market. The most effective way we can keep rates manageable is by collectively choosing healthier lifestyles.
- Adopt healthy eating habits.
- Establish regular exercise routines.
- Schedule annual physicals and screenings recommended by your physician.
Most preventive procedures and tests are fully covered at no cost to participants.
You can learn more about preventive services by clicking the button below to access GuideStone Preventive Care, and for personalized wellness support, contact the Clarity Care Coordinators at 1-866-472-0924.
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Have questions?
If you have any questions or need to speak to someone on our Benefits Team, please email us at benefits@globalmethodist.org.
| | KENYA ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHT | | |
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.
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The Kenya Annual Conference serves:
The Busia District
Kisii-Nyanyza
Nakuru
Nairobi
Coast
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170
PROFESSIONS
OF FAITH*
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56
NEW CHURCHES
*Data from 2024-2025
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Episcopal Leadership
Bishop Scott Jones
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Conference Superintendent
Rev. Wilton Odongo
| | Please be in prayer for the Kenya Annual Conference as spread scriptural holiness in Africa. Click the button below to email the Kenya Annual Conference. | | Bweyale Global Methodist Church was filled with joy and worship as it hosted a special discipleship training and celebration service led by a delegation from the Uganda Annual Conference. A memorable moment from the service was with Joseph Kanyike who took time to engage with children, teaching them about prayer—its meaning, reasons, methods, and key subjects—ending with lessons from the Lord’s Prayer. | | New Conferences and Emerging Area Join the GMC | | After a beautiful time of fellowship at convening conference, the Thailand Annual Conference and Malawi Annual Conference officially joined the GMC. In addition, we have a new emerging area of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan, and Fiji has joined the Western States to form the Western States and Fiji Annual Conference. | | |
Upcoming Missions Training
November 3-5, Jodeco Methodist Church, Stockbridge, GA
November 18-20, LakeRidge Methodist Church, Lubbock, TX
ENGAGE is a two-day intensive training in the best practices for Acts 1:8 missions in the Global Methodist Church. Your local church and annual conference leadership will be equipped in the foundations of effective missional outreach as we pursue our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread Scriptural holiness across the globe.
Learn about:
- The GMC ‘Wesleyan Network for Global Missions’
- The Acts 1:8 Missional Congregation Certificate
Engage provides a ‘train-the-trainer’ experience for participants. Take back what you learn! This training is intended for you to share with your annual conference, districts and local congregations.
Click HERE for information and to register for the Stockbridge, GA session.
Stay tuned for details about the Lubbock, TX session or contact us at info@globalmethodist.org.
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Save the Date: Beyond These Walls 2027
February 25-27
Led by the Trinity Conference, this one-day training will equip you with practical tools and Spirit-led vision to build meaningful, lasting partnerships across cultures–whether your church is already engaged in global missions or just beginning to pray about your next faithful step.
Designed with in-person and live webinar components, this hybrid training experience is designed for clergy, laity and anyone with a heart for missions and evangelism.
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The Global Messenger features devotionals and reflections submitted by members and friends of the Global Methodist Church. These messages offer a glimpse into how the Holy Spirit is moving in the life of the Church and in the hearts of our people around the world.
Please note: These writings are individual submissions and do not necessarily reflect the official positions or theological interpretations of the Global Methodist Church. They are shared to encourage, inspire, and foster connection across our global body.
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The Lifter of Dreams: A Testament to Perseverance
Submission By Francis Webere from the Kenya Annual Conference
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In the heart of Western Kenya, where survival is a daily struggle, my journey began as the firstborn of twelve children from peasant parents. Life was marked by hardship and deprivation; often, we went without food, and the concept of a proper meal felt like a distant dream. My mother, a beacon of hope, tirelessly mended my torn clothes, preparing me for school against all odds.
Despite overwhelming challenges, a flicker of hope emerged through the generosity of a local church that saw potential in me. Their unwavering support lit a path I once thought was forever closed. This is my story—a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education.
| | Share how the Holy Spirit is moving in your life and church for possible consideration in a future edition. Use the Submit Your Story button below to contribute your voice. | | |
Thailand Now is advancing the gospel throughout Southeast Asia by equipping leaders and protecting the vulnerable through three primary ministries:
- Pioneer Pastors Program – This ministry identifies, trains, and supports Thai pastors and Christian lay leaders to plant self-sustaining churches in unreached sub-districts of Thailand.
- Abundant Life Financial Program – By offering Biblically-based financial literacy and leader training, this program helps churches establish savings groups and equips believers with tools for long-term financial health.
- Blessing Home Centers – In partnership with local churches, Blessing Home Centers work to prevent the trafficking of at-risk children in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Children receive school scholarships that cover uniforms, food, transportation, and medical care. The centers also offer after-school English and Bible instruction, home visits, caregiver training, and foster care support when needed.
We ask for prayers on behalf of the churches and Blessing Home Centers affiliated with Thailand Now and all who are being impacted by conflict along the Thailand–Cambodia border. We are currently in communication with leaders in the region, including some who are being evacuated from the border areas. GMC churches in both Thailand and Cambodia are affected.
Please join us in praying for their safety, continued ministry, and peace in the region.
| | Grab your only OFFICIALLY licensed Global Methodist Church merchandise—available now. Represent the movement with gear that supports the mission. Just click the button below to start shopping! | | |
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
communications@globalmethodist.org | 540.898.4960
www.globalmethodist.org
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