Should Global Methodists Pray for Pope Leo XIV?
May 8, 2025
The Roman Catholic church has elected a new leader of their church.
Is it ok for Global Methodist to pray for Pope Leo XIV? Should we?
My short pastoral answer is yes. Here’s why.
#1 Global Methodist Are Ecumenical
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines ecumenical as, “of, relating to, or representing the whole of a body of churches” and “promoting or tending toward worldwide Christian unity or cooperation.”
Global Methodist Bishop Scott Jones wrote, “The division of the one church of Jesus Christ into many different denominations, each claiming to be the church, is an ongoing problem… [The ecumenical movement] takes many forms in the world, including grassroots cooperation between congregations, the migration of members from one church to another, and joint action for social justice on the national and international level. The movement also fosters official dialogue between churches that seek to overcome centuries of estrangement so that visible communion might be possible” (Jones Extreme Center 19-20).
Bishop Jones goes onto argue for us to authentically participate in ecumenical dialogue we have to be confident in understanding our own Wesleyan doctrines and beliefs (20-21).
#2 Global Methodist Have Catholic Spirit
One of the more famous sayings of the founder of Methodist movement comes from his sermon on the Catholic Spirit, “But although a difference in opinions or modes of worship may prevent an entire external union, yet need it prevent our union in affection Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion.”
Wesley goes on to say, “If, then, we take this word in the strictest sense, a man of a catholic spirit is one who, in the manner above-mentioned, gives his hand to all whose hearts are right with his heart: one who knows how to value, and praise God for, all the advantages he enjoys, with regard to the knowledge of the things of God…”
Wesley makes clear he is not calling for latitudinarianism (a belief in which anything goes in regards to doctrine). However, Wesley seems to be emphasizing for Christians to be willing to work with those outside of your denominational and theological preferences. Wesley model this with partnerships with the Moravians and traveling and preaching alongside Calvinist George Whitfield.
In worship we say the Apostles Creed in which we affirm we are a part of “the Holy Catholic Church”. This does not mean we are a part of the Roman Catholic church which just elected Pope Leo XIV. It means we are a part of the universal church of all Christian bodies.
#3 Global Methodist Want All Churches to Have Strong Leaders
Shortly after Pope Francis died I saw Anglican Priest Michael Bird say “bless the Catholic Church with a new leader who preaches the gospel and imitates the way of the Lord Jesus.”
I echo this sentiment. I desire for all churches to have strong leaders who preach the gospel and imitate the way of Jesus.
So join me today in praying for:
- ourselves,
- our friends and family who are sick or lost,
- our local church
- all those around the world who suffer,
- our own Global Methodist Bishops and leaders
- and, yes, let’s pray for Pope Leo XIV.
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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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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.
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.
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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.
David Donnan 