Global Methodist Resource List
August 3, 2023
As to be expected in the launch of a new denominations there is a substantial amount of information. In an effort to add value to your journey I have organized resources I know about on this website. Some of these are official Global Methodist Documents or resources. For those I tried to make that clear.
Important Documents
The Transitional book of Doctrine and Discipline of the Global Methodist Church
- The Transitional Book of Doctrine of the Global Methodist Church is the foundational document of the Global Methodist Church. There is an online PDF version of it HERE. I am not sure of any way to access a printed copy besides printing it for yourself.
- I suggest for pastors and church leaders to read it in its entirety. I suggest for church members to read at least the first twenty-one pages.
- I wrote a blog post about the document here: Ratification of the Doctrine and Discipline of the Global Methodist Church
The Global Methodist Church Catechism
- What is a Catechism? From the intro of the booklet: “A catechism is an educative and regulative formulation of church doctrine. It provides both a pedagogical tool for initiation into the full life of the church and a formal expression of the essential teachings that the church expects its members to understand and believe. Therefore, the learning of the catechism should be viewed, along with baptism and the profession of faith, as a necessary step in approving Christians for membership in the church body.”
- The catechism is a set of question and answers over the basics of the Christian faith with a Wesleyan emphasis.
- You can view the document HERE or order booklets HERE.
- We plan on using these booklets for our confirmation class.
Unofficial Documents of Note
- The Next Methodism: Theological, Social, and Missional Foundations for Global Methodism is a collaboration of essays about the hopes for the future of traditional Methodism. This book helped me fall in love with essay books after not being much of a fan of them. Authors are traditional Wesleyan Christian but not all are Global Methodist.
- Multiplying Methodism: A Bold Witness of Wesleyan Faith at the Dawn of the Global Methodist Church is a book by Rev. Dr. Jeff Greenway and Bishop Mike Lowery. It is a helpful resource about the hopes of the Global Methodist Church.
- The Faith Once Delivered: A Wesleyan Witness is a document by sixty-four Wesleyan scholars that Christianity Today described as an attempt to “define orthodox Wesleyanism, and ground more Christians in the story of sanctification and restoration through grace.”
- Our Great Redeemer’s Praise boasts to be the first major Wesleyan Hymnal in over 30 years. This is a great resource for churches looking for new hymnals. I have found their communion liturgy’s helpful.
- What is Pastor Parish relations in the Global Methodist Church? An abbreviated guide by myself.
Liturgy
There are not any official Global Methodist Liturgies I have got my hands on. Here are some helpful unofficial liturgies.
- Litany of New Beginnings – Renewal of Baptism and Membership by Rev. Tesia Mallory. Great for first Sunday in the Global Methodist Church
- An Order for Recognition of Ordination and Celebration of an Appointment in the Global Methodist Church by David Donnan
- Presentations of Stoles Liturgy by David Donnan
- The Standard Communion Liturgy for Asbury Theological Seminary Chapel. A beautiful communion liturgy. I am not sure who wrote this. Please leave a comment if you know.
Websites
The official website of the Global Methodist Church is: https://globalmethodist.org/
Other Websites for traditional Methodist:
- Wake Up Call – Free daily devotional by Seedbed Publishing
- Firebrand Magazine – Academic Wesleyan Articles
- Good News – Articles about tradtional Methodism
- Chris Ritter’s Blog – A much more detailed list of all things Methodist as well as articles by Chris.
- David Donnan’s Blog (That’s Me!)
- My section on the future of Methodism: HERE
- Carolyn Moore’ Blog
- Tim Tennent’s Blog
- The Institute of Religion and Democracy Blog
Social Media
- Global Methodist Church Facebook Page
- Friends of GMC Facebook page is absolutely not a global Methodist Church Official account. This means some of the content is not endorsed by the GMC. However, it can be a helpful place to have some questions answered.
Podcasts
I have not found an official audio podcast for the Global Methodist Church. The best I have to offer are these excellent traditional Wesleyan podcasts.
- Firebrand Podcast
- The Podechesis Podcast
- David Donnan Podcast
- Art of Holiness Podcast
- Holy Conversations Podcast
Videos
The Thursday Night Live Show is interviews with leaders in the Global Methodist Church. Rev. Dr. Sterling Allen has done an amazing job working hard to make this an excellent resource. Check it out on Youtube and Facebook.
Seminaries and Course of Study
While the Global Methodist Church does not have their own seminaries they do have recommended educational institutions.
- Asbury Theological Seminary (Wilmore, KY)
- Ashland Theological Seminary (Ashland, OH)
- Beeson Divinity School at Samford University (Birmingham, AL)
- Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University (Waco, TX)
- United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH)
- Wesley Biblical Seminary (Ridgeland, MS)
Course of study is an alternative path of study for individuals pursuing ministry. Approved programs for course of study are:
- Truett Theological Seminary (Waco, TX)
- United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH). I do not see where it is designated as approved by the Global Methodist Church but I believe it is. They do have a course of study program.
- Wesley Biblical Seminary (Ridgeland, MS)
Final Advice
Ok, so where should I start? I think maybe the worse thing to do is try to consume all of this content at once. I would probably start with the Transitional Book of Doctrine and Discipline’s first 21 pages. Then I would watch a couple of Thursday Night Live Episodes that interested me. Then after that it is a choose your own adventure.
More From David
Presentation of Stoles Liturgy
July 31, 2023
In the Global Methodist Church, elders and sometimes deacons are presented with stoles during ordination. On a following Sunday, the local church may present the preacher with more stoles for the other seasons of the church year.
Below is a liturgy I wrote to be used for such an occasion for a church member to present stoles to the pastor on behalf of the church. This is not an official Global Methodist liturgy. You are free to use and adapt this as you see fit. Attribution is appreciated.
Since my church had multiple services I was given different stoles in each service. All stoles may be presented at one service.
Appropriate prayers are encouraged to be prayed following the presentation.
Liturgy for Stoles
Hello, my name is ________ . Today it is my joy to present to Pastor ______ this (or these) stole(s) in recognition of his/her ordination by Bishop _______ recently at ________ (location of ordination).
Ordination is “the action by which the church sets apart those who have been so elected to a particular order of ministry for the good of the whole church.”1
Pastor _______ is now an ordained elder/deacon as of ______ (date of ordination).
To be read for presentation to deacon:
- “Deacons are to witness to the Word in their words and actions, and to embody and lead the community’s service in the world for the sake of enacting God’s compassion and justice. Within and beyond a local church, deacons may, among other ministries, lead in worship, preach and teach, conduct marriages, bury the dead, care for the sick and needy, and interpret the needs of the world to the church.”1
To be read for presentation to elder:
- “Those called to the ministry of elder bear authority and responsibility to proclaim God’s Word fearlessly, to teach God’s people faithfully, to administer the sacraments, and to order the life of the church so that it may be both faithful and fruitful”1
Pastors wear vestments called stoles to signify they are part of the ordained clergy.
Pastor ______ was presented a red stole at his/her ordination. It is my joy to present to him/her this/these ________ stole(s) on behalf of the church to celebrate his/her ordination.
- The white stole is worn during high holy days such as Easter, Christmas, weddings, and funerals.
- The green stole is worn during a season of church life between Pentecost and Advent. During this time the church focuses on Jesus’ teaching and healing ministry.
- The purple stole is worn during the seasons of Advent and Lent. These seasons are key in reminding us of the importance of understanding who Christ is through his incarnation and His journey to the cross.
Pastor _______ , thank you for responding to God’s call. May the Lord bless your new season of ordained ministry.
Sources
1 Quotes are from page 51 of the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Disciplines of the Global Methodist Church.
Thanks to Rev. Jack Varnell for looking over an early draft.
Resources
For a printable pdf click here.
For a word document of this liturgy click here.
More From David
Methodists Moving Forward in South Georgia
April 28, 2023
One of my passions has been writing about the future of Methodism. Methodists all over Georgia are sensing God’s leading and moving forward. Here is a sample of a few beautiful snapshots of where Methodists are heading after church disaffiliation votes in the past year. These are all happening around my area of ministry.
New Church Groups Starting Up
In Savannah, after a majority vote did not reach the required 2/3rds majority hundreds of Methodists planted a new church on Isle of Hope in Savannah, GA. The new church is called Good Shepherd of Savannah.
Rev. Scott Tucker will be the lead pastor of Good Shepherd of Savannah. Rev. Sam Paul has joined the team to lead worship and youth ministries. The church is temporarily meeting at Isle of Hope Baptist Church (22 Rose Ave., Savannah, GA).
The pastor’s shared about their excitement in recent church social media posts. Rev. Scott Tucker said, “I believe Good Shepherd Savannah will serve our city with the kindness and the truth of God’s healing work in Jesus Christ.”
Rev. Sam Paul in his church staff highlight social media post said, “I have loved every minute of leading the band and singing songs to our Lord, and I have especially loved the chance to work with students and watch them grow in their faith. I never would have imagined this opportunity to help build a new church plant, and I can’t wait to see where God takes us!”
The church plant is aligned with the Global Methodist Church (GMC). See Good Shepherd’s Savannah’s website for the most up to date meeting locations and times.
In Statesboro, a group consisting of hundreds of Methodists have been meeting together after another majority vote did not meet the required supermajority. Under the leadership of a board of thirteen members they have been organizing speakers as they continue to worship together.
“We just want to keep everyone together” says Warren Ball, a member of the new communities leadership board.
Statesboro Worship is the name of the Christian group. They are meeting at the Home Builders Association of Statesboro in the Market District (1223 Merchants Wy, Statesboro, GA 30458). They meet at 9:00 a.m.
The Statesboro group is discerning where they want to align. The majority of the group want to remain Methodist or in the Wesleyan stream. However, they are still discerning what this may look like moving forward.
Local churches are aligning with the Global Methodist Church
Rev. Paul Broussard aligned quickly with the Global Methodist church. His church, Bethesda Church (Guyton, GA), took more time to discern where they wanted to realign moving forward.
“Back when I returned to the Methodist church I knew then I wanted to align with the Global Methodist Church. It just felt right. Reading the Transitional Book of Doctrine and Disciplines. I just felt deep in my Spirit that the Global Methodist Church will usher in a new great move of God,” Paul said.
His church leadership voted recently to move forward with a church wide vote about joining the Global Methodist Church.
Paul added, “The transition team of Bethesda went through the Transitional Book of Doctrine and Disciplines. [They] loved the conservative and traditional Wesleyan heritage. Another plus was the fact that the GMC wants the churches to begin to govern themselves more…”
Another local Methodist Church in Twin City, GA decided to align with the GMC even though that meant they would lose their pastor.
Church member Sybil Johnson talked about the Twin City Methodist Church’s decisions.
“I attended the Isaiah 43 Conference [the first gathering of the South Georgia Global Methodist Church] at Epworth by the Sea in October last year. It was a revival of blessings! I felt the presence of the Lord with us! His spirit was moving around us and within us.”
While Sybil had a great experience at the conference she elaborated on why she personally leaned to the GMC. “My faith is rooted with the John Wesley traditional teachings and beliefs. So is Global! So thankful for Global Methodist coming to our rescue!”
They are looking forward to their new minister being appointed by the GMC this summer.
The South Georgia Conference convening session is July 27th – 29th
The South Georgia Conference of the Global Methodist Church (SGAGMC) will hold it’s convening session from Thursday, July 27th to Saturday, July 29th. As of this article publishing, the SGAGMC has 99 clergy aligned or in the process of joining the conference. There are currently 92 churches aligned on in the process of joining. This list will continue to grow.
Epworth by the Sea is a historical place for Methodism. Charles and John Wesley both lived on St. Simons briefly. Epworth by the Sea also holds the Bishop Moore Methodist Museum.
During this historic conference there will conclude with an ordination service presided over by Bishop Scott Jones.
The SGA GMC is led by President Pro Tem Rev. Jay Hanson. Reflecting on the upcoming momentus conference he said, “As Methodist we are a called people, a holy priest hood, who have historically encountered and responded to God in special ways at Epworth by the sea on St. Simons Island. This is sacred soil for us. As Methodist from across Georgia gather on July 27-29 for our First GMC Annual Conference at Epworth I have deep sense that we may again experience a fresh move of God which enables us to worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.”
Other speakers will be announced soon. For the latest on the convening conference session including registration, speakers, and schedule, visit the SGAGMC Annual Conference website.
While this is just a small picture of what is happening in my area, I am curious. Do you know of a Methodist story that needs to be told? Reach out to me and let me know.
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