Top 2024 Moments in the Global Methodist Church
December 28, 2024
2024 has undoubtedly been the most consequential year yet for the Global Methodist Church. While I hesitate to label these as “The Top Stories,” they represent some of the moments and developments that continue to stand out in my mind from this transformative year.
The Emergence of Global Methodist Influencers
The year 2024 has brought about an intriguing media phenomenon: the emergence of prominent influencers within the Global Methodist community. While Jeffrey Rickman and Andy Miller III had already been active in media prior to this year, their influence has grown significantly.
Jeffrey’s Plain Spoken youtube channel experienced a surge in engagement during the spring, as his coverage encompassed broader Methodist topics. Meanwhile, Andy solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the community by securing exclusive interviews with episcopal candidates for the Global Methodist Church during the latter half of the year.
As someone who has been podcasting for nearly five years, I am genuinely impressed by their ability to consistently produce such a high volume of thoughtful, impactful content. Their dedication and work ethic are truly inspiring.
The Rise of Wesley Biblical Seminary
Just a few years ago, I couldn’t have told you much about Wesley Biblical Seminary or even where it was located. In my conference, the Asbury Seminary-to-pulpit pipeline had long been the gold standard for producing our most effective pastors.
Now, however, we’re witnessing a remarkable shift as more pastors and ministry candidates gravitate toward Wesley Biblical Seminary. This growth can be attributed to several factors, chief among them being the seminary’s early and intentional focus on serving the Global Methodist Church, coupled with their exceptional course of study.
Adding to their momentum is the leadership of Andy Miller III, who, as mentioned earlier, is not only a gifted influencer but now also serves as the seminary’s president. Andy’s visionary leadership, teaching ability, and genuine kindness have further elevated Wesley Biblical Seminary’s reputation and appeal.
The First General Conference
The Global Methodist Church held its historic convening General Conference in Costa Rica, marking a vibrant celebration of God’s work and an eager anticipation of what lies ahead.
Hosting the conference outside the United States was a significant and deliberate statement, reflecting the church’s commitment to being truly global in its mission, ministry, and practice. It underscored the church’s vision of embracing a worldwide community and shared faith.
The success of the event was made possible by the extraordinary efforts of leaders like Beth Ann Cook and countless dedicated staff and volunteers, whose hard work and passion brought this inspiring gathering to life.
New and Decentralization of Leadership
In the early days of the Global Methodist Church, leadership and decision-making were primarily concentrated in the hands of two bishops, a chief connectional officer, and the Transitional Leadership Council. Each of these individuals and groups played a vital role, laying the foundation for the church’s mission and vision through their exceptional efforts.
The convening General Conference, as mentioned earlier, marked a turning point by introducing a new leadership structure. Among the most notable developments was the election of six new bishops, each bringing a rich and diverse background in Methodism to their roles. These men and women are already making a significant impact, serving the church with dedication, wisdom, and a shared commitment to its global mission.
Global Methodist Member Killed in Donald Trump Assassination Attempt
On July 11th, during an assassination attempt on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, a member of the Global Methodist Church, Corey Comperatore, tragically lost his life while shielding his family.
Corey was remembered with heartfelt words from his pastor: “Corey’s love for Jesus was clear in the way he lived his life. He served his family, his church, his community, and his country [U.S. Army Reserves], and he did all that with a heart of service to the Lord.”
Bishop Mark Webb also honored Corey’s legacy, stating, “Everything I have heard about Corey points to a man who loved his family deeply and lived his faith in very significant ways.”
As another political cycle concludes, this family faces a loss that can never be undone. Let us continue to lift them in our prayers.
Keith Boyette Retires
Keith Boyette, both a pastor and a lawyer, may well have been the single most influential figure in the establishment of the Global Methodist Church. Recently, Keith retired from his role as the Global Methodist Church’s Chief Connectional Officer.
During his tenure, he provided invaluable legal expertise and spiritual counsel to churches and pastors navigating the complex reorganization of Methodism. His leadership and dedication were pivotal during this transformative period.
You can learn more about Keith’s remarkable contributions and his retirement in a feature article published by Christianity Today.
- The Man Who Made Global Methodism Possible – Christianity Today Feature by Daniel Silliman
- Global Methodist Church Announces Keith Boyette Retirement
What Did I Miss?
So much more happened in 2024 that deserves to be celebrated and remembered! What moments stand out to you? Comment below and share what you’ll remember most. What significant events or milestones did I miss that absolutely should have been included? Let’s honor this incredible year together!
More From David
This past September, the Global Methodist Church held its historic Convening General Conference. Reflecting on the event over the past few months, I wanted to document some surprises that stood out to me. These moments captured the spirit of this pivotal gathering and left a lasting impression.
1. Worship That Sounded Heavenly
Watching the worship services during the conference, I was blown away by how incredible the music sounded—even through the livestream. Mixing live worship bands for an online audience is notoriously challenging, yet the result was stunning.
This is a testament to the hard work and talent of the worship team, including Rev. Sterling Allen and Rev. Tesia Lee Mallory. Their efforts helped bring a sense of connection and reverence to all who participated, whether in Costa Rica or tuning in from afar.
2. Outstanding Coverage by Christianity Today
I was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional coverage of the event by Christianity Today. Daniel Silliman’s on-the-ground reporting brought the heart of the conference to life, capturing both its historical significance and joyful spirit.
Silliman’s insights on social media and articles like:
- “It’s Okay to Say We’re Born Again”: Global Methodists Embrace Evangelical Identity
- Global Methodists Find Joy in Costa Rica
- Global Methodist Bishops to Dance
Silliman’s writing highlighted the distinctive ethos of the Global Methodist Church, including its focus on sanctification and renewal. In an age where Methodism often receives less-than-favorable media coverage, it was refreshing to see the vibrancy of our tradition celebrated so widely.
3. Jimmy Towson’s Brief Candidacy as Bishop
A touching surprise was seeing Jimmy Towson briefly considered as a candidate for bishop. Each delegation was asked to present someone as a nominee alongside the existing slate of candidates, and Jimmy’s name was offered.
Jimmy has been a vital leader in the South Georgia Conference of the Global Methodist Church, and I have no doubt he would have made an excellent bishop. True to his humble nature, he graciously withdrew his name early in the process to help streamline the voting. Even so, his brief nomination was a moment of pride for many of us in South Georgia.
4. Missing Out on the Experience
The biggest surprise for me personally was not being able to attend the conference in Costa Rica. My daughter, who was recovering from a broken tibia, had an unfortunate fall just 30 hours before my departure, breaking her femur. While my wife encouraged me to go, I felt it was best to stay home and care for her during such a challenging time.
Although I couldn’t be there in person, I am deeply grateful to our South Georgia delegation. Both clergy and laity represented us with grace and faithfulness, helping to pave the way for a bright future in the Global Methodist Church.
The Convening General Conference was a historic moment for our denomination, full of worship, joy, and vision for the future. Though I watched from afar, I continue to reflect on how these surprises reveal God’s faithfulness and the promise of renewal within our church.
More From David
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