Crossroads

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.

By Dianne Burnett In a landmark moment for the Global Methodist Church, the Assembly of Bishops gathered for their inaugural meeting from December 3-5, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. This pivotal event signified a major milestone in the life of the… The post Assembly of Bishops Gather for Historic First Meeting first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

As we reflect on the many blessings of this year, we are reminded of the Apostle Paul’s call in Colossians 3:17 to live a life of gratitude. Gratitude is not bound to a particular day or culture; it is a… The post A Thanksgiving Message: Living with Gratitude first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Dianne Burnett The Global Methodist Church continues to embody its mission of compassion and generosity by responding decisively to recent natural disasters and global health crises. Contributions to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton relief efforts in the United States… The post Generosity in Action: Supporting Communities at Home and Abroad first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Morgan Howe As preachers’ kids who grew up in The United Methodist Church, Revs. Sarah and Gabe Wanck, respectively lead pastor and associate pastor at Marion Aldersgate Church, a Global Methodist congregation in the Great Lakes Annual Conference, share… The post A Family’s Shared Experience at the GMC Conference first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

In recent months, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been overwhelmed by a severe Monkeypox outbreak, affecting thousands and placing an already vulnerable population under tremendous strain. As of August 2024, over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths have been… The post Global Methodist Church Calls for Prayers and Support Amid Monkeypox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Morgan Howe If you’ve ever visited The Woodlands Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, it’s evident that students play a vital role in its leadership. This is no accident; it’s part of a larger discipleship initiative called NextGen, which is… The post NextGen: Raising Kingdom-Minded Leaders at The Woodlands Methodist Church first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

The Global Methodist Church’s Global Episcopacy Committee (GEC) is pleased to announce the assignments for bishops elected by the recent convening General Conference. This appointment process, carried out with prayer and discernment, reflects a commitment to serve the church’s mission… The post Global Episcopacy Committee Announces Bishop Assignments first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

The post Global Methodist Church Receives Over $400,000 in Hurricane Relief Donations first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church .

The convening General Conference of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) has instructed the Global Episcopacy Committee (GEC) to assign those elected as bishops to serve the various annual conferences. In a spirit of transparency and good will, the GEC offers… The post VALUES AND PRINCIPLES IN THE INTERIM ASSIGNMENT OF BISHOP first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

The Global Methodist Church continues to hold in prayer all those affected by the devastation of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. These powerful storms have left a lasting impact on many communities, and while recovery efforts have begun, the journey ahead… The post Global Methodist Church Continues to Pray and Provide Aid to Communities Impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

The post Moving Forward: The Path Ahead for the Global Methodist Church first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church .

By Keith Boyette My tenure as Transitional Connectional Officer of the Global Methodist Church draws to a close at the adjournment of the convening General Conference on September 26. The past seven-and-one-half years, first as president of the Wesleyan Covenant… The post Parting Words first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Walter Fenton Since John Wesley and his friends founded the Methodist movement in the middle of the eighteenth century, Methodists, of whatever stripe, have emphasized the importance of connectionalism. As the Rev. Dr. David Watson, Academic Dean and Professor… The post The Spirit of a New Connection first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Bishop Scott J. Jones and Bishop Mark J. Webb Three weeks from now several hundred Global Methodist leaders will be gathering in San Jose, Costa Rica, to celebrate what God has already done in the Global Methodist Church. And… The post Trust the Holy Spirit and Each Other first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Walter Fenton There is universal agreement in the Global Methodist Church that passing down the good news of Jesus Christ to children and teenagers is one of the Church’s highest responsibilities. And it is also widely acknowledged that the… The post The Challenges and Joys of Sharing the Faith with Children and Teenagers first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Walter Fenton “Don’t get me wrong, it has been a great privilege to serve the Global Methodist Church during its transitional season, but I’ll be very happy when we can retire that word ‘transitional,’” said Cara Nicklas, chairwoman of… The post Global Methodist Church’s Transitional Leadership Council Looks Forward to Transition first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Dianne Burnett At its meeting on August 5, the Transitional Leadership Council (TLC) of the Global Methodist Church celebrated the decision of Bishop Johnwesley Yohanna and the four annual conferences in Nigeria to become part of the GM Church.… The post Global Methodist Church Welcomes Bishop Johnwesley Yohanna and Recognizes Four Nigerian Conferences as Provisional Annual Conferences first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Walter B. Fenton For widely understood reasons, many Global Methodists do not have warm feelings about General Conferences. They conjure up memories of very costly gatherings that were often marked by bitter conflict and bad press. All of which… The post Why a General Conference? first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Morgan Howe Like scores of Global Methodist local churches, Wesley Methodist Church in LaGrange, Georgia, is the result of a failed disaffiliation vote at a United Methodist local church. According to the terms of a since expired disaffiliation provision… The post Abundant Joy after Loss first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Walter Fenton Regardless of one’s political perspective, a national tragedy was averted when former President Donald Trump escaped a would be-assassin’s aim to take his life. However, for Corey Comperatore’s family and friends, tragedy was not averted. Last Saturday,… The post A Family and a Global Methodist Local Church Lose a Faithful Member in Assassination Attempt first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Keith Boyette A core value of the Global Methodist Church is to reduce the institutional footprint of the general church. Such an approach ensures that more financial resources remain at the congregational level, enabling local churches to respond to… The post Advance GM Church’s Mission: Nominations for Connectional Commissions Due August 6 first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

Tens of thousands of Global Methodists in the coastal Texas area are among millions of people who are without power as they work to recover from a storm that has damaged homes, houses of worship, and businesses.  Rev. Jim Welch,… The post Hurricane Beryl Leaves Trail of Destruction in Coastal Texas Region first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Keith Boyette Since the announcement of its formation in March of 2022, the Global Methodist Church has proclaimed that its mission is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.” In just fourteen… The post Celebrating the Mission Statement of the Global Methodist Church first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Walter B. Fenton On February 26, 2019, presiding Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey gaveled to a close The United Methodist Church’s contentious 2019 special General Conference held in St. Louis, Missouri. While the delegates voted to reaffirm the denomination’s teachings… The post A Very Brief History of the Global Methodist Church first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Dianne Burnett The formation of new provisional annual conferences outside the United States is a complex process. A leadership team in a country must initially be identified to lead the effort. Application must be made to the national government… The post Global Methodist Church Expands with New Conferences in Central Africa, Tanzania, and Panama first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

By Walter Fenton “It is a huge challenge and a regular topic of conversation at every level of the denomination,” said the Rev. Dr. Leah Hidde-Gregory, president pro tem of the Global Methodist Church’s Mid-Texas Provisional Conference and a member… The post Creating a Culture of Call to Pastoral Ministry first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.