By Michael Gryboski, Christian Post. (Photo credit: beautyofholiness2026.org)
More than 1,100 people attended the Global Methodist Church General Conference in Africa, with the theologically conservative denomination reporting considerable growth of congregations and regional conferences.
Founded in 2022 in response to the fierce debate over LGBT issues within the United Methodist Church (UMC) that led to a major schism in the mainline denomination, the Global Methodist Church (GMC) held its General Conference Aug. 30 to Sept. 6 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Dianne Burnett, GMC’s executive director of communications, told The Christian Post that 1,168 attendees were registered for the conference, including bishops, delegates, staffers and volunteers.
“Attendees left feeling connected to a global body of believers and confident in the work accomplished to secure the future of the Global Methodist Church,” Burnett said.
“Throughout the week, the Church experienced facets of every nation’s culture, needs, language and heart, intermingled with the thick presence of the Holy Spirit, making it an unforgettable experience,” Burnett continued.
“The 2026 General Conference will be remembered for its decisions: a first full-time Assembly of Bishops, consequential legislation, foundational doctrinal work, new connectional leadership and a significant ecumenical covenant with the Korean Methodist Church.”
The GMC held its inaugural General Conference in 2024 in San Jose, Costa Rica, which focused on forming the basics of the nascent denomination.
Over the past two years, the denomination has reported considerable growth. In 2024, the GMC had around 4,700 member churches; as of last week, that number stands at 7,250. Also, the denomination has gone from 36 annual conferences in 2024 to 50 regional bodies this year.
“Johannesburg beautifully represented the global nature and full community of the Global Methodist Church,” said Burnett. “With the Church now here, the denomination was able to vote on more than 451 petitions and key items such as the Articles of Faith and appointment of full-time bishops.”