24 Hours that Changed Methodism in 2025
May 1, 2025
This week, we witnessed what may have been the most consequential 24-hour stretch in Methodism of 2025. Here were Four important developments.
#1 Bishop Scott Jones Statement
Here was Global Methodist Church (GMC) Bishop Scott Jones post on facebook on April 30th:
I regretfully and reluctantly have come to the conclusion that the United Methodist Church in Nigeria is using violence as an intentional strategy. My wife and I were present and nearly caught up in one violent act. Since then, there have been too many incidents where UMC people have brought machetes and guns to a property currently controlled by the Global Methodist Church. People have died and been injured. Property has been stolen and homes set on fire.
The GMC’s position is that we are willing for the courts to decide any claims that the UMC group wishes to bring. We believe that our position is strong and will be upheld by an honest judicial process. The four annual conferences voted unanimously to change their legal registration and to align with the Global Methodist Church. We are not a breakaway group, but we are the main Methodist group continuing the legacy of the last 100 years.
The GMC Assembly of Bishops has issued a call to prayer for peace all over Africa, including Nigeria. May God intervene and bring peace in Nigeria and all of the continent.
#2 Global Methodist Announce General Conference Location
The Commission on the General Conference of the Global Methodist Church announced the 2026 General Conference will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from August 30 through September 5, 2026.
This again solidifies the GMC as a truly global body. It also is the first time a Global Methodist General Conference is held on the continent of Africa. Thanks to Rev. Beth Anne Cook for pointing out the Free Methodist Church has had a general conference session in Africa.
#3 David Watson Preaches First Chapel Service at Asbury Theological Seminary
President Elect of Asbury Theological Seminary, David Watson, preached his first chapel service since the announcement of his new role. It is the beginning of a new era in Methodism’s most important seminary. I am very excited for Dr. Watson’s leadership at Asbury and look forward to going back and watching this message.
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About David Wesley Donnan
I write online about Methodism, devotional insights, and personal reflections. My primary goal is to organize my thoughts and explore meaningful topics. Along the way, I hope my writing inspires and encourages others on their journey.
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A Mandatory Trait for Every Global Methodist Clergy
January 8, 2025
Here was a mandatory trait for British Methodism which needs to be mandatory for all Global Methodist Clergy.
In Kevin Watson’s Doctrine, Spirit, and Discipline: A History of the Wesleyan Tradition in the United States (#ad) he says this about early Methodism:
1785 Minutes (the Methodist Episcopal a Church’s first polity book) repeated language from the British Methodist minutes about a preacher’s potential objection that they did not have a “Taste for reading.”
The response was direct and succinct: “Contract a Taste for it by Use, or return to your Trade.”
In other words, learn to like reading by doing it, or go back to what you were doing before you became a Methodist preacher.
I think it was Timothy Tennent I heard speak about this trend. He talked about how a seminary graduate would occasionally come up to him and brag about not reading a book since they graduated seminary. His response was, “I feel so sorry for your congregation.”
Harry S. Truman is attributed as saying, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
Reading will never replace a vibrant personal relationship with Christ and a healthy spiritual life, but it is an indispensable tool and a God-given gift that no Global Methodist minister should neglect. It strengthens the mind, deepens the spirit, and equips leaders to shepherd with wisdom and grace.
If you’re looking to build your “reading muscles,” consider starting with Karen Swallow Prior’s On Reading Well (#ad). You can also explore my interview with her, where she shares valuable insights on the transformative power of reading.
What do you think? As the Global Methodist Church continues its conversation on theological education where does the discipline of reading come in?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
About David Wesley Donnan
I write online about Methodism, devotional insights, and personal reflections. My primary goal is to organize my thoughts and explore meaningful topics. Along the way, I hope my writing inspires and encourages others on their journey.
More From David
Follow Me on Social Media
My 2025 Bible Reading Plan
January 4, 2025
I’m so excited to see so many pastors and Christians sharing their 2025 Bible reading plans! It’s inspiring to see how others approach spending time in God’s Word. Here’s what I’m planning to do this year.
Historically, I’ve struggled to stick with reading the entire Bible in a year. Falling behind often left me discouraged and tempted to give up. But I’ve been reminded of something I attribute to Brian Russell: “The goal is to fall in love with reading the Scriptures, not just completing a reading plan.”
With that in mind, I’ve been working my way through the Life Application Study Bible in the New Living Translation, book by book. It’s been recommended as a fantastic beginner’s study Bible, and I wanted to experience it for myself. Instead of following a rigid schedule, I choose books as I go, highlighting them in the table of contents when I finish.
Occasionally, I’ll pause wherever I’m at and read a chapter from Proverbs that corresponds to the day of the month—for example, Proverbs 5 on January 5th. When I hit a rut, I’ll turn to listening to Scripture through YouVersion, which often helps reignite my focus.
It’s not the most creative or structured plan—no fancy PDF guides or trackers—but this rhythm works for me. It’s a balance of consistency and flexibility that keeps me engaged.
I typically pair this reading practice with centering prayer, intercessory prayer, and journaling. These practices deepen my time with God and help me stay rooted in His presence.
Would you like to hear more about those other practices? Or perhaps a review of the Life Application Study Bible in the NLT?
I’d also love to hear about your Bible or devotional plan for 2025. How are you diving into Scripture this year?
David Donnan 