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| GENERAL CONFERENCE NEWS & UPDATES | |
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Beauty of Holiness – General Conference 2026
August 30-September 5 in Johannesburg, South Africa
The Global Methodist connection is en route to Johannesburg for the Beauty of Holiness, General Conference 2026. Starting August 30, you'll receive updates live from Johannesburg directly in your email inbox. Whether you're in Johannesburg or observing from afar, we will keep you connected to General Conference with daily newsletters, podcasts, social media updates and the livestream of worship and plenary sessions.
Check the Beauty of Holiness website for the most recent information about General Conference, including livestreams, agendas, episcopal nominees and more.
| | Below are additional resources to help you stay in the loop on all things General Conference. | | | | General Conference Livestream | |
Observers can experience General Conference from the comfort of home. Sessions will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel and will be available to view after General Conference.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to be the first to know when a new video is up. Visit beautyofholiness2026.org to tune in to the latest livestream.
| | | | General Conference Schedule and Agenda | Check the General Conference schedule to know when to tune in for livestreams. Reviewing the schedule is also a great way to pray specifically for General Conference while the proceedings are in session. | | | | |
14 Days of Prayer
Happening now! Today is day 4 of 14. It's not too late to join us. Download the prayer guide here.
Prayer Vigil
Sign up to pray while General Conference is in session. Choose a day to pray, or commit to pray through the entire gathering. This is a great way to support General Conference from afar.
| | | | Pre-Conference Workbook and Petitions Report | |
Keep the pre-conference workbook and pre-conference petitions report handy as you watch the livestream and participate in General Conference. Available now in Amharic, English, French, Kiswahili, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Thai.
View the workbook
View the petitions report
| | | | Review Episcopal Nominee Information | |
Ahead of General Conference, review the bios and video responses for the episcopal nominees.
Bios are available for all nominees. Nominees who appear on one or more area committee rankings recorded videos to provide additional information for delegates to review.
| | | | Live from Johannesburg, Across the Globe: The Podcast | |
Join your hosts Dianne Burnett and Jason Nix with daily updates from General Conference. Dianne and Jason will share news from each day's plenary sessions, and you'll hear from members of the connection during this historic event. Make sure to subscribe to Across the Globe: The Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Subscribe on Spotify
Subscribe on YouTube
| | New Teaching Series — Methodist Roots | | |
Lesson one of the Methodist Roots teaching series dropped this week. It's not too late to tune in. Through this video and study guide by our Assembly of Bishops, you’ll discover the history of Methodism and understand how key features of the faith influence the church today.
Start by watching the Methodist Roots video. This video was filmed in the United Kingdom and features significant Wesleyan sites that connect us to our Methodist heritage. After watching the video, use the study guide to dive deep into a new topic each week with your church, small group or in your personal devotional time.
This series will remain available on our website for you to come back to again and again, or share with your church and community.
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Listen to Bishop Jones on Across the Globe: The Podcast, to hear more about the bishops' journey to the United Kingdom to visit Wesleyan sites in England.
Click to listen
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Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Sturdivant
Endorsement Administrative Assistant
| | As our Global Operations staff works to further the movement and mission of the Global Methodist Church, we want to serve you. Each month, learn about staff members on the Global Operations team and their areas of expertise and service. We strive to be an accessible and trusted resource and are excited for you to learn more about the team. | | |
Stephanie aids and supports the processes and procedures related to the endorsement of qualified chaplains, pastoral counselors, and clergy coaches. Through her work, Stephanie sends forms and letters of endorsement affirmation to federal agencies and professional organizations, maintains records of all endorsed clergy, sends and receives annual reports from those endorsed, reports annually the list of military chaplains to the Department of Defense and VA chaplains to the Veterans Health Administration, and assists in the planning and registration process of events for Endorsing Ministries.
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The Latest From Across the Globe: The Podcast
Stay connected by tuning in to Across the Globe: The Podcast—a space to unify, inform, and tell the stories of God’s work through the Global Methodist Church. Each episode is designed to encourage, equip, and connect us as one body as we continue to grow together.
Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow so you never miss an episode—and share with your community to help others stay connected.
Listen to Our August Episodes:
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Growing Partnerships Through the Ministry and Higher Education Commission
We're excited to celebrate two milestones in theological education across the Global Methodist Church. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary has been approved as a GMC Educational Partner for a six-year term, joining our growing network of institutions preparing faithful, Christ-centered leaders for ministry.
We also celebrate the MidTexas Annual Conference, whose Certified Lay Minister (CLM) program has been approved through Truett Seminary, creating another pathway to equip lay leaders for faithful service.
Visit the Ministry and Higher Education Commission website to view all approved CLM programs and seminaries.
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Proclaim! Asbury Preaching Summit
October 13-14, 2026
Wilmore, Kentucky, USA
| This two-day, on-campus event will offer worship, biblical preaching, plenary sessions, practical breakout conversations, fellowship, and opportunities for renewal. Proclaim! is designed especially for pastors and preachers, church and ministry leaders, those who teach in church or ministry settings, seminary students preparing for preaching and pastoral ministry, and anyone seeking to communicate the gospel faithfully and effectively. | | | | |
Journey to a Safer Ministry
Free Webinar Series August-November
| This webinar series equips churches and ministries with practical guidance for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse, covering key topics such as reporting requirements, applicant screening, and effective background check strategies. This free series helps create safer environments for children and strengthens abuse prevention and reporting practices. | | | | |
North Carolina Annual Conference Disaster Relief Training
Sessions in August-October
| This disaster relief training equips clergy and laity with the knowledge and skills to serve communities affected by natural disasters and other emergencies. Participants will receive hands-on training to prepare them to respond with practical help, compassion, and the love of Christ when disaster strikes. | | | | |
ENGAGE Missions Training
Great Lakes Annual Conference
September 22-24
| ENGAGE is a two-day interactive training event designed to equip, connect, and empower local churches and annual conference leaders for more effective missional outreach. | | | | |
Did you hear? Fanny packs are back in style. Shop for official Global Methodist Church merchandise at The GMC Store—thoughtfully designed for everyday use. Conferences and local churches can also request custom orders to meet their specific needs.
Every purchase helps support the work we’re doing together. Take a moment to browse for yourself or find a meaningful gift for someone else.
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WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
communications@globalmethodist.org | 540.898.4960
www.globalmethodist.org
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