The Global Methodist Church recently reached an exciting milestone on May 1, 2025: 100 individuals have now been endorsed to serve in chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, and coaching ministries. To support this growing community, 34 participants gathered in Pella, Iowa, on April 14–15, 2025, for a historic first GMC Endorsement Training Event under the theme Building Connections. Attendees included chaplains, ministry coaches, and pastoral counselors from across the country, each committed to living out the Gospel in diverse ministry settings—from hospitals, hospices, prisons, law enforcement, military, coaching, corporate offices, and counseling centers. The training event began with opening remarks and introductions by the host, Rev. Kevin Glesener, Lead Chaplain at Vermeer Corporation. The event took place at the Vermeer Global Pavilion, located at their corporate headquarters. Rev. Glesener then introduced Rev. James Parks, our Upper Midwest Conference Superintendent, who warmly welcomed attendees and offered an opening prayer of blessing. Day one featured a keynote from Rev. Mike Schafer, Connectional Operations Officer, on the growth and strength of GMC’s connectional ministry. Sessions focused on Clinical Pastoral Education, evangelical distinctives in chaplaincy, and the challenge of engaging religious pluralism in institutional contexts. Attendees also connected in affinity groups and enjoyed an evening banquet at Liberty Street Kitchen. Mike Schafer, Stephanie Sturdivant, Gary Clore, James Parks, and Leslie Tomlinson. Day two began with a stirring devotion by Rev. Dr. Paula Payne, challenging our connectional spirit in worship as we lifted the roof with our praise. Vermeer senior chaplain, Rev. Kevin Glesener, introduced the Thrive Center’s Spiritual Health Framework, which features engaging modules on vocation, ethics, relationships, and personal virtue.Returning speakers at the Vermeer Leadership Seminar, alongside GMC clergy, Dr. Jaclyn Williams and Dr. Mary Glenn of Fuller Theological Seminary, offered timely insights that stirred both hearts and minds. Participant feedback highlighted the value of small group discussions, theological grounding, and practical resources. Key Takeaways: Chaplaincy in the GMC embraces both evangelical convictions and respectful interfaith engagement. Affinity group networking provided a meaningful foundation for peer support. Attendees resonated with the Thrive model’s holistic approach to spiritual health. Looking Forward: To build on this momentum, organizers recommend: Launching a centralized digital resource portal. Offering annual training events and expanding to a second location on the East Coast. Establishing a shepherding system for new endorsees. Continuing to elevate diverse voices within the GMC endorsement network. Strongly encourage full-time endorsed ministers to be appointed by your Annual Conference. A special thanks to Rev. Mike Schafer, Dr. Jaclyn Williams, Dr. Mary Glenn, Dr. Jack Lea, Rev. Doug Stewart, Dr. John Ruiz, and all facilitators, speakers, and volunteers. Deep gratitude also goes to event coordinator Stephanie Sturdivant, site host Kevin Glesener, and the Vermeer Charitable Foundation for their leadership and hospitality. As we celebrate 100 endorsed clergy through the Global Methodist Church, we express gratitude for a growing movement characterized by courage, care, and connection as we fulfill our GMC mission and vision. For anyone interested in endorsement, please email endorsement@globalmethodist.org or call 703-795-5705.

Have you ever felt completely alone—even in a room full of people? Maybe you’ve experienced seasons when nothing in life seemed to fill the emptiness inside. We often think success, popularity, or material possessions will make us feel whole. But they don’t. Even those who seem to “have it all” can still feel isolated and unfulfilled. David’s Story: Loneliness in the Midst of Riches The Bible gives us countless examples of people who struggled with loneliness, but one of the most powerful is King David. Long before he wore a crown, David was a shepherd—overlooked and underestimated, working for his father Jesse. Later, he became a musician and aide in King Saul’s court. During the war between Israel and the Philistines, a giant named Goliath taunted the Israelites for 40 days. David, armed only with a sling and stones, courageously stepped up to fight and defeated the giant. His bravery brought him fame—so much so that Saul grew jealous and sought to kill him. David fled and spent years on the run until Saul’s death. Eventually, David became king, ruling with wealth, power, and influence. By all appearances, he had everything. Yet, even with so much, David knew the sting of loneliness. His heart is revealed in this prayer: “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.” (Psalm 25:16–20, NIV) Even in prosperity, David recognized his deep need for God. His loneliness drove him to lean into the Lord—not into the comforts of the world. What About Us? Unlike David, we often try to fill the God-sized void in our hearts with entertainment, social media, relationships, or achievements. But no matter how much we try, the emptiness lingers. These substitutes can never truly satisfy. Jesus offers us a better way: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV) God did not design our hearts to be filled with things that fade. He created us for Himself. Loneliness, though painful, can become a holy invitation—drawing us back to the only One who can truly satisfy.