|
| GENERAL CONFERENCE NEWS & UPDATES | |
| |
Global Methodist Church Hosts Historic Plenary Gathering
The Global Methodist Church held the first ever plenary gathering of annual conference representatives to finalize the episcopal areas for 2026-2032 on May 30.
“We have, as a reform movement, restored the election of bishops to the General Conference, which is where it belongs,” said Rev. Chris Ritter, Chair of the Global Episcopacy Committee. “This meeting is designed to happen every six years so that we can take a fresh look at the configuration of our conferences and episcopal areas.”
In the Global Methodist Church, bishops act as general superintendents of the entire church and are elected at General Conference. Approved at General Conference 2024, the election processes are intended to ensure that bishops are both effective global leaders and strong missional fits for the conferences they will most directly serve.
| | 40 Days of Prayer Starts July 15 | | |
Prayer has always been at the center of how God moves among His people. During the 40 Days of Prayer, you will join with a multitude of brothers and sisters across the Global Methodist Church, praying each day together for General Conference. Though we may be separated by distance, we are united in purpose.
We have collected 40 prayers from people all across the world who sense God calling them to be part of this movement of the Holy Spirit through the Global Methodist Church. It is our hope that you will not only use this 40 Days of Prayer Guide personally, but also share it with friends, family, and fellow believers.
As we prepare to gather for General Conference 2026, join the Global Methodist Prayer Facebook Group. We pray that our hearts will already be united — covered in prayer before we ever arrive.
View the prayer video in your language: English | French | Korean | Portuguese | Spanish
| | | | |
Pre-conference Workbook
Coming July 1
| |
The nearly 450 petitions from across the connection submitted for our upcoming General Conference are being prepared as a pre-conference workbook. Watch for the official release on July 1.
We're grateful for your prayers and engagement as we prepare to gather to do this sacred and holy work.
| | Financial Results Through May 31, 2026 | | The Global Methodist Church continues to experience strong financial health and faithful support from churches and individuals across the connection. | | | | |
$593K
ABOVE BUDGET (+19.8%)
| | |
$3.35M
CONNECTIONAL FUNDING RECEIVED
| | |
$1.39M
NET OPERATING
REVENUE
| | |
$1.96M
NET REVENUE (INCLUDING INVESTMENT GAINS)
| | |
$272.3K
REVENUE INCREASE
VS. 2025 (+8.2%)
| | |
Through May 31, 2026, total revenue reached $3.58 million, exceeding budget expectations by approximately $593,000 (19.8%). Connectional funding remains the primary source of support, with $3.35 million received year-to-date, reflecting the ongoing commitment of local churches to the mission and ministry of the GMC.
In addition to connectional funding, the denomination received $138,140 in direct contributions and benefited from $95,000 in investment and interest income during the first five months of the year.
| | |
Staff Spotlight: Dianne Burnett
Executive Director of Communications
| | 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. | | |
As Executive Director of Communications for the Global Methodist Church, Dianne Burnett serves as one of three executive-level staff members on the denomination’s Global Operations Team, helping provide strategic leadership for the church’s worldwide mission and ministry.
Dianne leads the GMC’s communications strategy, overseeing media relations, branding, digital communications, publications, storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and organizational messaging. She also serves as host of the "Across the Globe: The Podcast," sharing stories of God’s work through the denomination and highlighting ministries, leaders, and local churches from around the world.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications from Texas Tech University and a Master of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University. Her background combines communications expertise with experience in operations, strategic planning, and organizational leadership, allowing her to contribute to the broader needs of the GMC beyond communications alone.
Through clear, consistent, and mission-focused communication, Dianne helps connect the global church while telling the story of what God is doing through the Global Methodist Church.
| | |
All About Africa
Catch up on "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.
Listen to our June episodes that feature topics related to General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa:
-
Hear from Mbingeleli Elie Diko about the opportunities and challenges of hosting General Conference on the continent of Africa.
-
Learn about what it takes to bring together delegates, leaders, volunteers, and churches from around the world for General Conference from Mike Grant and Becci Wood.
Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow so you never miss an episode—and share with your community to help others stay connected.
| | Allegheny West and North Carolina Annual Conferences Appoint New Leaders | | |
Rev. Kari Howard
North Carolina
Annual Conference
| | |
Rev. Dr. Dan Gildner
Allegheny West
Annual Conference
| | |
The Allegheny West and North Carolina Annual Conferences announced the appointment of new conference leadership effective July 1. Having served as Associate Conference Superintendent, Rev. Kari Howard will assume the role of Conference Superintendent for the North Carolina Annual Conference. Rev. Dr. Dan Gildner will become the Associate Conference Superintendent of the Allegheny West Annual Conference, and following the retirement of Bishop Jeff Greenway, will become the Conference Superintendent.
Rev. Howard was ordained an elder after earning her MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary where she was inducted into the Theta Phi Honor Society. She is currently working on a doctorate in apologetics. In 2022, she led the Western North Carolina Wesleyan Covenant Association and was sent to lead in the formation of the North Carolina GMC as the Vice President Pro Tempore. She serves the global connection as a member of the Committee on Approval for the Ministry and Higher Education Commission and chair of the Area Committee on Episcopacy 8 for General Conference. Rev. Howard previously served as Chair of the North Carolina Delegation for the 2024 Convening General Conference and was again the first elected clergy to the 2026 General Conference from North Carolina.
Rev. Dr. Gildner is an ordained elder in the Allegheny West Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church who played a significant role in the formation of the conference. Beyond the local church, he served as chair of the Board of Ministry, a member of the Conference Council, and as an elected delegate to the 2024 General Conference and the upcoming 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg. He also serves the wider church as a member of the Connectional Council and the Ministry and Higher Education Commission.
Please join us in prayer as they step into these important roles for the denomination.
| | |
Mega Manila
Annual Conference
| | Mega Manila Annual Conference: A Spirit-Filled Movement Reaching Beyond Borders | | |
When the Mega Manila Annual Conference looks at the mission field before them, they do not see boundaries, they see opportunities. From the islands of the Philippines to communities across the Middle East and Europe, this growing conference is embracing its calling to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness through evangelism, leadership development, and church multiplication.
With 59 congregations, Mega Manila has become one of the most internationally connected conferences in the Global Methodist Church. Their ministry reflects both a deep commitment to their local communities and a vision that extends far beyond their own borders.
At the center of their ministry is a commitment to equip leaders for faithful service. Through Empowering Academy, the conference’s annual school of ministry, pastors, church workers, and lay leaders receive training in theology, discipleship, preaching, leadership, and ministry practice. What began as a resource for clergy has expanded to include opportunities for laity, and plans are underway to develop additional training for youth and young adult leaders.
| | | | |
29
CHURCHES PLANTED
SINCE 2023
| |
50+
STUDENTS IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION
| | |
Episcopal Leadership
Bishop Scott Jones
| | |
Conference Superintendent
Luther Oconer
| |
The Conferences Commission Supports the Emerging Area of Brazil
Three members of the Conferences Commission, Clark Atkins, Lori Smith and Elizabeth Sullivan, traveled to Brazil in late May to support an important season of growth and transition for the Global Methodist Church’s emerging area. The gathering brought together clergy and laity for a time of worship, fellowship, training, and connection as Brazil continues its journey toward becoming a fully established annual conference within the GMC.
Joining the Conferences Commission were Bishop Kenneth Levingston, Max Wilkins, and Jeff Olive, who helped lead and participate in the gathering. The team provided Transitional Conference Advisory Team (TCAT) training to equip local leaders as they learn GMC polity, structure, and practices while preparing for the responsibilities of becoming an annual conference. They also provided training in church planting and multiplication, helping leaders understand the process of starting new churches, developing local leadership, and creating sustainable pathways for making disciples and spreading scriptural holiness.
The gathering reflected the spiritual vitality and enthusiasm of the growing GMC movement in Brazil. Between 500 and 600 people gathered for worship each day, culminating on Pentecost Sunday with a powerful, Spirit-filled service where more than 200 people remained for a special time of ministry and prayer.
Members of the Conferences Commission also conducted clergy interviews as part of the process of receiving pastors into the GMC. The team celebrated the opportunity to welcome new leaders into the denomination and looks forward to continuing the work of approving clergy and churches throughout the region.
Two representatives from Brazil will join the GMC in Johannesburg for the upcoming General Conference. The GMC team was met with warmth and hospitality and their time was a true reflection of the Spirit at work.
As the GMC continues to expand around the world, the Conferences Commission remains committed to supporting emerging regions, equipping leaders, and helping new conferences establish a strong foundation for ministry and mission. We invite you to pray for the emerging area of Brazil.
| | | | |
Quarterly Mission Leaders Gatherings
July 7 at 10 a.m. EDT or
July 9 at 9 p.m. EDT
| The Chalmers Center will include instruction and breakout sessions to help us build our understanding of poverty. | | | | |
Kingdom Advancement Mission Study
Tuesdays, August 4-25
9-10:15 a.m. EDT
| Our efforts to serve people experiencing material poverty can sometimes cause unintended harm. Join Rev. Greg Jenks and Dr. Derek Russell for a four-week online study of If You Really Want to Help by Kurt Kandler. | | 2026 Annual Conference Gatherings | | |
As Annual Conference season moves forward, many conferences across the denomination are gathering or preparing to meet. We invite you to join us in praying for our clergy, lay leaders, and congregations as they come together to worship, discern, and carry out the important work of the church in their regions.
-
South Georgia, July 9-11
-
South Carolina, August 6-8
Visit your Annual Conference website for more information about your annual conference.
| | |
The Global Messenger and Bold Witness 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.
| | A Journey from Decline to Growth | | |
By Kenny Ott
Two years ago, Mt. Gilead Methodist Church in Woodstock, GA was worshiping with about fifteen faithful people each Sunday. The congregation loved their church and loved Jesus, but the future felt uncertain. The pews were mostly empty, there were no children in the nursery, and the question quietly lingered: What comes next?
Rather than close their doors or continue in maintenance mode, Mt. Gilead chose courage. They entered into a missional partnership with Canton First Methodist Church, built not on control but collaboration. The goal was not simply survival. It was spiritual renewal and refreshed mission.
That partnership became catalytic.
| | |
As a witness to God's faithfulness and goodness, your testimony is powerful. From miracles in your local church, to every day interactions in your community, share a devotional or reflection to offer a glimpse into how the Holy Spirit is moving in your life and the lives of others.
We invite you to Share Your Story through the link below.
| | |
International Leadership Institute
The International Leadership Institute equips Christian leaders around the world to lead with integrity, vision, and a commitment to making disciples. Through training, mentoring, and leadership development, ILI seeks to multiply leaders who are advancing the Gospel, strengthening the Church, and helping fulfill the Great Commission in their communities and nations.
Visit their website to learn how you can be part of their transformational work around the world, equipping leaders, spreading the Gospel, and making disciples of Jesus Christ.
| | |
Grab a hat to represent the Global Methodist Church wherever you go! 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.
| | |
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
communications@globalmethodist.org | 540.898.4960
www.globalmethodist.org
| | | | |
