Dr. Tom Tumblin: GMC Convening Conference
As a veteran delegate of two United Methodist General Conferences, the contrast was stunning. Rather than the careful negotiating of diverse theologies and political agendas, there was an astounding sense of unity at the September 2024 Convening Conference of the Global Methodist Church in San Jose, Costa Rica. The distinctive location spoke volumes; for the first time in U.S. Methodist history, these former United Methodist leaders were gathering for a General Conference outside of North America. Every delegate was present with the assistance of a Zoom link to a secure conference room in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the African representatives unable to attain visas. The prayers of thousands of Methodists around the world were being realized in the birth of a new Wesleyan movement.
ATS Professor Luther Oconer (Superintendent of the Mega-Manila Annual Conference) capturing the moment. (Photo from Day 3 Recap of the Official Communication of the Global Methodist Church Convening General Conference.)
The foundations of the new denomination were formalized in the new constitution approved on Day 5 that is built on the historic Christian creeds and the authority of the Scriptures. On Day 7, a new mission and vision statement were approved that anchored the GMC in Christ’s mandate to make disciples and the Wesleyan call “to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.” As it lives out its mission by the power of the Holy Spirit, the GMC envisions “multiplying disciples of Jesus Christ throughout the earth who flourish in scriptural holiness as we worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.
Dozens and dozens of the approximately 1000 conference attenders stopped at the ATS table to greet old friends, explore degree programs, and learn more about Asbury’s commitment to equipping church planters. As he talked about the American Methodist church planting movement of the 1800s, Distinguished Professor Emeritus George Hunter would remind us students of a Methodist folk tune from that era: “We’re building two a day, dear Bob; we’re building two a day! All hail the power of Jesus’ name; we’re building two a day!” Inspiring reports of new congregations emerged from every continent represented at the conference. For example, newly elected bishop Kimba Evariste reported over 500 churches started in the DRC over the last year. New Global Methodist disciples are forming new Global Methodist churches in every region where the GMC is present.
By the mercy of God, Asburians continue to be deeply involved in the formation of this new Methodist expression. Bishop Mark Webb (M.Div. 1989) has been one of the two active episcopal leaders since 2023. With the addition of six more bishops for 2024-26, ATS grads Carolyn Moore (M.Div. 1998, D.Min. 2018) and Jeff Greenway (M.Div. 1985) join in the charge of “guarding the faith, order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline of the Church.” Many Asbury alums have been elected to serve on the commissions that will steward the GMC mission and vision. As a seminary whose own mission is “to prepare theologically educated, sanctified, Spirit-filled men and women to evangelize and to spread scriptural holiness,” the Global Methodist Church carries strong resonance with our evangelical, Wesleyan, holiness calling. May the Lord be glorified through this new movement in which so many Asburians have found a home.
Newly elected GMC bishops. Asbury alums Carolyn Moore and Jeff Greenway are on the right. (Photo from Day 6 Recap of the Official Communication of the Global Methodist Church Convening General Conference.)
Well said Tom! It blesses my heart to hear your report!
Thanks for the update on this new global Wesleyan birth. It was refreshing to read how God is growing His Church.
Fantastic update! It was great to see you at the Convening Conference! God is on the move.
Always blessed to see so many friends, colleagues, and former students leading the way in evangelism marked by making disciples, planting churches, and declaring a gospel full of sanctifying grace and the “joy of heaven to earth come down”!!
This is incredible and brings MUCH glory to our Lord Jesus Christ and the Gospel!