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The 2:42 Conference: A Hopeful Glimpse into the Emerging (and Ancient) DNA of Global Methodists
by Matt Reynolds
From March 16-18, 2026 in Conroe, TX, the Global Methodist Church hosted its third annual 2:42 Conference for young clergy, seminary students, and those exploring a call to vocational ministry. This conference began a few years ago with the vision to help build life-giving connections among younger leaders, while also providing a space for vision casting and learning that helps invite young leaders into the vibrant DNA being formed in the GMC. Once again this gathering proved to be a powerful time in God’s presence.
As our movement grows, investing in emerging leaders continues to be of vital importance. Recent statistics have confirmed that the majority of American denominations are predominantly made up of older generations, and that includes pastoral leadership. While we praise God for the incredible and faithful service of our more seasoned leaders, we also recognize that the future of the church always necessitates raising up new leadership who will take the baton. The GMC seeks to be a movement that multiplies disciples for generations to come, and that means we need deeply-formed young leaders who will continue to invest in the church for decades.
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Last Call for Petitions
Tomorrow, May 1, is the deadline to submit petitions for General Conference. The petition portal will close at 5:00 p.m. EDT, so please be sure to submit your petition before then. All petitions will be made available on July 1.
Petitions Secretary, Lamar Oliver, has asked petitioners to include clear, descriptive titles, which are a significant help to delegates. For example, “Modifying Our Processes for Minimum Discipline Length” communicates far more effectively than “A Petition to Modify ¶2004.2” as they work through a large volume of legislation.
Thank you for your thoughtful participation in this important work, and may the Lord guide each step with wisdom and clarity.
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Staff Spotlight: Simon Mafunda
Africa Director
| | 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. | | |
Raised in Zimbabwe and deeply formed by the Methodist tradition, our Africa Director brings a lifetime of faithful leadership and service to the Global Methodist Church. With experience as a Conference Lay Leader, a three-time General Conference delegate, and a contributor on numerous boards and committees, his voice has helped shape important conversations across the life of the church.
In his current role, he leads and supports ministry efforts throughout Africa, which include teaching, training, and engaging with communities across diverse cultures and contexts. His work often places him alongside marginalized communities, where he has witnessed lives transformed and faith take root in powerful ways.
Simon also contributes through writing, podcasts, and ongoing dialogue around Methodist identity and mission, helping to strengthen and guide the church’s growth across the region. His leadership reflects both a deep commitment to the gospel and a passion for seeing the church flourish across Africa and beyond.
Beyond formal ministry, Simon's life is grounded in family. He and his wife, Hannah, have been married for 34 years and have raised four children together. They now enjoy the added blessing of three grandchildren. Hannah, a trained nurse, has long been devoted to compassion ministry, and together they have shared a calling to serve those on the margins.
In his personal time, he enjoys being with his grandchildren, caring for his dogs, and working on the farm. Whether tending crops, walking in nature, or simply enjoying the outdoors, these rhythms provide both renewal and joy alongside his ministry work.
| | Called, Equipped, Sent: A Growing Witness in Panama | | |
In Panama, the work of the church is growing steadily, shaped by a clear focus on discipleship, leadership development, and a simple but effective model of evangelism that is reaching people where they are.
The Panama Annual Conference is investing deeply in forming both clergy and laity for ministry. In partnership with Asbury Theological Seminary, the conference is currently leading a Deacon formation course, with 17 students on track to complete their training by the end of the year. At the same time, the conference continues to strengthen its School of Ministries for laity, now in its second year, equipping lay leaders to serve actively in the life and mission of the church. Additional sacramental training has further expanded the conference’s capacity to care for congregations and support emerging leaders.
This intentional focus on leadership development is closely tied to how the church is growing across the region. Rather than relying on traditional structures alone, local congregations are engaging in relational evangelism through “Houses of Peace,” small, home-based gatherings that serve as entry points for discipleship, pastoral care, and community transformation. These groups have become a cornerstone of the conference’s ministry, creating space for new believers to encounter Christ and begin their faith journey in a personal and accessible way.
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Episcopal Leadership
Bishop Kenneth Levingston
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Conference Superintendent
Rev. Luciano Pereira da Silva
| | News from Kingdom Advancement Commission | | |
Sowing Seeds That Multiply: The Global Methodist Church at Exponential Global 2026
Some gatherings are important events on a calendar; others become turning points.
March 17-19, leaders from across the Global Methodist Church gathered in Orlando for Exponential Global 2026, the world’s largest gathering of church‑planting and multiplication leaders. The conference’s theme, “Multiplier: How Healthy Leaders Create Lasting Impact,” was more than a slogan; it was a summons to intentional development. With more than five thousand pastors, planters and practitioners in attendance, Exponential offered five main sessions, four rounds of workshops and seven additional hours of pre‑conference equipping. The GMC did not just show up; we showed up as a partner and participant with a clear conviction: every congregation must begin preparing for future multiplication.
Why This Matters Now
The Kingdom Advancement Commission gathered ahead of Exponential to pray, share updates, and strategize before joining the wider Exponential gathering. On Tuesday morning, pastors and leaders from across the connection joined the first‑ever GMC Pre‑Conference Rally where Patrick O’Connell, Director of Practice for Exponential, challenged those present to think beyond maintenance toward movement. A panel of Global Methodist planters and multipliers shared hard‑won insights, and roundtable discussions sparked relationships and cross-pollination of ideas across our young denomination. On Wednesday a GMC luncheon brought seventy‑five pastors and leaders together to hear about the continued development of the denomination across the globe. Max Wilkins, Team Leader for Church Multiplication for the Kingdom Advancement Commission (KAC), reminded us of our identity: “We are disciples who make disciples who make disciples and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.” These moments embodied the energy and momentum God is stirring among us. As Paul Lawler, senior pastor of Christ Methodist Church in Memphis, TN and vice-chair of the Commission, put it: “This is the time for white‑hot vision casting!”
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Across the Globe: The Podcast
In case you missed our April episodes—now is the perfect time to catch up.
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Hear from Keith Boyette as he reflects on retirement and what God has done through his leadership journey
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Listen as Bishop Scott Jones shares insight into the proposed Articles of Faith and the heart behind this important work
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Learn from James Kawadza about General Conference logistics and what to expect in Johannesburg.
If you haven’t tuned in yet, these are conversations you don’t want to miss.
Stay connected by tuning into 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.
| | 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 and lay leaders and congregations as they come together to worship, discern, and carry out the important work of the church in their regions.
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Alabama Emerald Coast, May 3-5
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Central Europe, May 8-10
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Covenant Philippines, May 7-9
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Mississippi West Tennessee, May 28-30
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North Alabama, May 28-30
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Virginia, May 28-30
Visit your Annual Conference website for more information about your annual conference.
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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.
| | Under the Acacia Tree: A Story of Faith and Growth in Mbaranga | | |
By Muthomi Geoffrey Mukabua, Afrika Mashariki Annual Conference
As I sat under the acacia tree, surrounded by the dusty roads and vibrant community of Mbaranga, I couldn't help but think of Mama Mukiri.
She was one of the first to welcome me to this marginalized area, her warm smile and weathered hands a testament to her unwavering faith.
This year our church, Global Methodist Church Mbaranga, embarked on a mission to plant a church in this remote village. We faced countless challenges - lack of resources, harsh weather, and skepticism from the community. But we were driven by a vision of hope and transformation.
Mama Mukiri testimony is one that still inspires me. A widow, struggling to make ends meet, she found solace in the words of Psalm 23. As she shared her story with us, her eyes sparkled with a fire that refused to be extinguished. She became a pillar of our church, opening her home for Bible studies and prayer meetings.
Fast forward to today, our church has grown from a handful of people to a thriving community of over 200 souls.
We've seen lives transformed, marriages restored, and children fed. The challenges are still there, but we're not alone. We have the God of hope and promise guiding us.
Your faith is the mustard seed that will grow into a mighty tree 🌳. Your devotion, personal testimonies, and stories of faith are the fuel that will ignite transformation.
To other churches, I encourage you: let's join hands in this mission. Let's support and uplift each other, sharing resources and experiences. Together, we can bring hope to the margins and proclaim the Good News to all.
As Paul wrote to the Romans,-Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ-Romans 10:17.
Let's keep sharing our stories, and watch hope spread.
| | If you have a testimony, story, or reflection to share, we would love to hear from you. Use the link below to submit your story. | | |
Childero
Childero is making a lasting impact by walking alongside children who have lost one or both parents. Rooted in Global Methodist discipleship, their work goes beyond meeting immediate needs to provide long-term support through education, mentorship, and community.
Many of these children have experienced years of conflict and instability, creating significant barriers to stability and growth. Childero meets these challenges with both compassion and commitment, offering not only resources, but meaningful relationships, encouragement, and hope for the future.
Ready to learn more or get involved? Click the “Learn More” button below to discover how you can support this impactful ministry.
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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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