Frequently Asked Questions
Here you can find some answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that you do not see answers to here, feel free to email us on the Contact page.
More FAQ’s regarding Global Methodist Church Clergy and Congregations can be found on GlobalMethodist.org/faqs
Beliefs
Q: Will there be a print copy “Discipline” published and available for the GMC? I am aware there is an online version, which can be printed.
A: The “Transitional Book of Doctrine and Discipline” of the GMC is truly a book “in transition” as the GMC is being formed daily. There will be a convening General Conference of the GMC at the latest in May, 2025 at which time the TBDD will be approved by the delegates representing the churches. In the meantime, the Transitional Leadership Council is editing, correcting, adding to the TBDD to give the GMC a working document before the General Conference. So, we probably will not have a printed copy until the closure of the General Conference.
The Global Methodist Church is clear and unambiguous in its doctrine and unity around the authority of Scripture, the classical confessions of the Christian faith as articulated in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, and in the historic Christian ethical standards that derive from them. Clergy and laity at every level will be expected to warmly embrace these hallmarks of the faith. For the sake of its mission and the unity of the church, it is crucial that its leaders will be responsible for holding one another, its clergy, and its laity accountable to them.
The Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline (Part 8) provides extensive means of accountability at all levels. For example, there are no guaranteed appointments for clergy by the annual conference, so local churches will have more responsibility and authority in collaborating with their pastors on doctrinal matters. Tenure for Bishops will be eight years, although an additional four years may be allowed as an exception. The TBODD includes very specific accountability mechanisms for holding Bishops accountable to not only one another, but more specifically to the laity while serving the episcopal office.
347.7: The committee shall make provision for an annual audit of the financial statements of the local church and all its organizations and accounts. The committee shall make a full and complete report to the annual charge conference. A local church audit is defined as an independent evaluation of the financial reports and records and the internal controls of the local church by a qualified person or persons. The audit shall be conducted to reasonably verify the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting, determine whether assets are being safeguarded, and determine compliance with local law, local church policies and procedures, and the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline. The audit may include: 1) a review of the cash and investment reconciliations; 2) interviews with the treasurer, financial secretary, pastor(s), Finance Committee chair, business manager, those who count offerings, church secretary, etc., with inquiries regarding compliance with existing written financial policies and procedures; 3) a review of journal entries and authorized check signers for each checking and investment account; and 4) other procedures requested by the Finance Committee. The audit shall be performed by an audit committee composed of persons unrelated to the persons listed in 2 above or by an independent certified public accountant (CPA), accounting firm, or equivalent.
Benefits
Learn more about Guidestone FAQs
Q: Will GMC administer any health insurance, life insurance, retirement, etc. for the pastors?
A: Yes, that has already begun, but is not finalized. For more information on this, you can contact Rick Van Giesen, Benefits Officer (rvangiesen@globalmethodist.org).
Churches
The appointment process as per the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline (see paragraph 510) will be a consultative process between the local church and the Bishop. While bishops still make appointments, consultation is required with the pastors being considered, the Presiding Elder, and the local church leadership. Any concerns brought by the local church must be addressed before assignment of clergy. The intent of the process is to have greater involvement and consultation with the church in the decision-making process. This process will also be freed from a yearly appointment with no guaranteed appointments for clergy. The goal is to have pastors have longer tenures at churches and to give the local church much more responsibility in the assignment of the pastor.
Q: What is the GMC position concerning Parsonages? We have a pretty nice one. If we get a pastor who does not need the Parsonage, would we need to pay her a housing allowance? How is that amount determined?
A: As mentioned above, the church determines the financial and housing arrangements for the pastor. That information is what we will share with potential pastors.
Q: We were formerly part of a two-point charge with the UMC, and the other church has not disaffiliated. Will we be a station church, or will GMC combine multiple charges on a single charge?
A: This decision resides with each local church, although in order to provide the salary and benefits for a pastor, two-point charges may be in the best interest of all. Soon, churches that will need GMC pastors will receive a consultation form on which the church will share their profile, needs, clergy compensation (salary, benefits, housing, etc), and start date. From this information, we will be able to begin conversations with clergy leaders.
Please go to our website section titled “Go Global” > click on Church > there you will also find a Church Consultation form. This form will help us begin the conversation with your designated church contact person and begin the consultation process to answer many if not all of your questions.
Q: If we have a local pastor in mind (former UMC, disaffiliating), would we be able to request him/her?
A: Absolutely, if she/he is a GMC pastor. You probably will be given more than one choice, but we welcome churches to keep their current clergy leaders if they are like minded and plan to eventually join the GMC.
Q: Will GMC send us a pastor after our annual conference – how deep is the GMC pastor pool? We have previously been assigned Elders.
A: It is the goal of the GMC for every pastor to be an Elder or a Deacon. At this time, we are compiling information from across the region about what pastors will need churches and what churches will need pastors, so we cannot determine the number of either clergy or churches. However, we are committed to work with local churches to secure the pastoral leadership they need.
Communication and connections with clergy and congregations are priorities in the GMC. Thus, we are limiting the number of charges supervised by Presiding Elders (DSs) to 15. As churches are added to districts, we will reorganize and establish new districts to maintain this manageable size. All of our PEs in the MidSouth are either retired pastors or pastors serving full-time churches, although some larger conferences are able to support their PEs full-time. With a small number of churches and clergy under their care, our PEs are closely involved with and more aware of each ministry location and ministers appointed.
More specifically to your question….
1. When a pastor is interested in relocating or wishes to be considered by a particular church, he/she shares an updated profile with the PE. That profile is shared with the other PEs who then can recommend that pastor (along with others who wish to be considered) to the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committees of churches seeking the kind of pastoral leadership these pastors can provide.
2. Once the S/PPRC indicate which pastors they would like to consider, the PE follows up with each pastor as to whether he/she would like to engage in the consultation process with that church. When that list is confirmed, the pastor(s) and S/PPRC meet to get acquainted and ask questions of each other. I have developed a guide for this conversation (attached).
3. Following those conversations and a period of prayerful discernment, the PE follows up with the S/PPRC for their thoughts. If they met with more than one pastor, they can offer a list of preferences to the PE. If there is not a consensus about any pastor with whom they met, the consultations continue. If there is a consensus, the PE follows up with the pastor to determine whether he/she wishes to be considered for that appointment.
4. When there is an agreement with the S/PPRC, pastor and PE about the appointment, the PE contacts the Bishop and recommends the clergy to be appointed to that charge. The Bishop has the final authority in all appointments, but also relies heavily upon the decision of the PEs who have been involved in the process with the churches and pastors. These appointments are being made throughout the year, not once/year at annual conference.
I have pastors and Presidents Pro Tempore as well as our Bishops contacting me with names of pastor seeking appointments and churches needed pastors. We are not bound by Conference lines as we assist each other in connecting pastors and congregations.
The Global Methodist Church is clear and unambiguous in its doctrine and unity around the authority of Scripture, the classical confessions of the Christian faith as articulated in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, and in the historic Christian ethical standards that derive from them. Clergy and laity at every level will be expected to warmly embrace these hallmarks of the faith. For the sake of its mission and the unity of the church, it is crucial that its leaders will be responsible for holding one another, its clergy, and its laity accountable to them.
The Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline (Part 8) provides extensive means of accountability at all levels. For example, there are no guaranteed appointments for clergy by the annual conference, so local churches will have more responsibility and authority in collaborating with their pastors on doctrinal matters. Tenure for Bishops will be eight years, although an additional four years may be allowed as an exception. The TBODD includes very specific accountability mechanisms for holding Bishops accountable to not only one another, but more specifically to the laity while serving the episcopal office.
Church Planting
You can find more info about the ATS Church planting grants here: ATS Church Planting Grants
Requirements:
- Graduates of Asbury Theological Seminary
- Planting a new congregation of the Global Methodist Church
- Church plant must be located in the United States
- Have not received a previous Asbury Seminary-Global Methodist Church Grant recipient
Connectional Funding
Q: Can we find out how our Connectional Funds are going to be used, and for what missions, administrative costs, etc.?
A: A proposed budget was presented at our MidSouth convening Annual Conference in September. We are more than willing to provide you with a full copy via email. Please let the MidSouth Administrative Assistant, Jessie Mansfield, know of your interest in receiving a copy of our MidSouth PAC budget.
Until the convening General Conference in 2025, GMC churches are asked to give 1% of their income (offerings only, not money given for projects, etc) to the general church and 1.5% to the MidSouth PAC of the GMC. At the GC 2025, it will be proposed that no more than 6.5% be approved – 1.5% to the General Church and 5% stays in MidSouth.
Denomination
Existing UMC hymnals are still filled with the wonderful hymns of John & Charles Wesley and many others as well as liturgical resources that are still valuable today and does not require replacement. The Global Methodist Church does not have an official hymnal at this time, although Seedbed is releasing a new, modern Wesleyan tradition hymnal that will likely be a valuable resource for many Global Methodist churches: Our Great Redeemer’s Praise: A Hymnal for All God’s People. This hymnal contains creeds, prayers, service of baptism, services of Holy Communion and the Wesley Covenant Service as well as a variety of hymns, gospel songs and contemporary choruses.
Q: Will there be actual hymnals available that will provide guidelines on communion, baptisms, etc.?
A: The GMC has not authorized the production of a hymnal, although representatives participated in the development of “Our Great Redeemers Praise,” a new hymnal recently published and released by Seedbed (seedbed.com).
Note from Mike Powers: By the way, my son, Dr. Jonathan Powers, was the General Editor of this new hymnal, so I highly recommend it.
Q: Will there be a print copy “Discipline” published and available for the GMC? I am aware there is an online version, which can be printed.
A: The “Transitional Book of Doctrine and Discipline” of the GMC is truly a book “in transition” as the GMC is being formed daily. There will be a convening General Conference of the GMC at the latest in May, 2025 at which time the TBDD will be approved by the delegates representing the churches. In the meantime, the Transitional Leadership Council is editing, correcting, adding to the TBDD to give the GMC a working document before the General Conference. So, we probably will not have a printed copy until the closure of the General Conference.
Q: If we disaffiliate, how soon do we notify GMC that we want to be a part, and who do we contact? As soon as we decide that we want to be a part of GMC? Even if the paperwork is not completed with UMC? What is the procedure? What are the qualifications for being accepted as a member of GMC?
A: Disaffiliation from the UMC and affiliation with the GMC are, of course, two different decisions and do not need to be made at the same time. Some churches do that, but others are pausing after the disaffiliation vote to prayerfully decide if they wish to join the GMC or another denomination or remain independent. Once a church decides to join the GMC, it should complete the application which is found on the MidSouth GMC website (www.midsouthgmc.org). Select “Apply” > Then Click on the respective application (Clergy or church).
A church can apply to join the GMC and include the official date it wishes to be received (i.e., July 1, 2023, after disaffiliation is completed with the vote at Annual Conference and become official June 30, 2023).
The Global Methodist Church is clear and unambiguous in its doctrine and unity around the authority of Scripture, the classical confessions of the Christian faith as articulated in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, and in the historic Christian ethical standards that derive from them. Clergy and laity at every level will be expected to warmly embrace these hallmarks of the faith. For the sake of its mission and the unity of the church, it is crucial that its leaders will be responsible for holding one another, its clergy, and its laity accountable to them.
The Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline (Part 8) provides extensive means of accountability at all levels. For example, there are no guaranteed appointments for clergy by the annual conference, so local churches will have more responsibility and authority in collaborating with their pastors on doctrinal matters. Tenure for Bishops will be eight years, although an additional four years may be allowed as an exception. The TBODD includes very specific accountability mechanisms for holding Bishops accountable to not only one another, but more specifically to the laity while serving the episcopal office.
347.7: The committee shall make provision for an annual audit of the financial statements of the local church and all its organizations and accounts. The committee shall make a full and complete report to the annual charge conference. A local church audit is defined as an independent evaluation of the financial reports and records and the internal controls of the local church by a qualified person or persons. The audit shall be conducted to reasonably verify the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting, determine whether assets are being safeguarded, and determine compliance with local law, local church policies and procedures, and the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline. The audit may include: 1) a review of the cash and investment reconciliations; 2) interviews with the treasurer, financial secretary, pastor(s), Finance Committee chair, business manager, those who count offerings, church secretary, etc., with inquiries regarding compliance with existing written financial policies and procedures; 3) a review of journal entries and authorized check signers for each checking and investment account; and 4) other procedures requested by the Finance Committee. The audit shall be performed by an audit committee composed of persons unrelated to the persons listed in 2 above or by an independent certified public accountant (CPA), accounting firm, or equivalent.
Joining and Membership
Q: If we disaffiliate, how soon do we notify GMC that we want to be a part, and who do we contact? As soon as we decide that we want to be a part of GMC? Even if the paperwork is not completed with UMC? What is the procedure? What are the qualifications for being accepted as a member of GMC?
A: Disaffiliation from the UMC and affiliation with the GMC are, of course, two different decisions and do not need to be made at the same time. Some churches do that, but others are pausing after the disaffiliation vote to prayerfully decide if they wish to join the GMC or another denomination or remain independent. Once a church decides to join the GMC, it should complete the application which is found on the MidSouth GMC website (www.midsouthgmc.org). Select “Apply” > Then Click on the respective application (Clergy or church).
A church can apply to join the GMC and include the official date it wishes to be received (i.e., July 1, 2023, after disaffiliation is completed with the vote at Annual Conference and become official June 30, 2023).
Q: Are members automatically transferred to gmc or what happens to the membership in the gap? Does each person have to ask to join the church again? And go through a membership service?
A: Good and important question. The entire official membership roll is transferred to the GMC or whatever connection the church chooses.
However, it is good and proper for the Membership Secretary to contact the entire membership as best he/she is able (bulletin, newsletter, email blast, personal letter, phone call) to inform the members who choose not to join the new connection to respond with directions as to their membership: transfer to another church or withdraw their membership or to place their membership with the UM District Superintendent which will keep them in the UMC until they inform the DS where to send their membership.
I think this is a very thoughtful and efficient process of honoring every member’s commitment and conviction.
As a church affiliates with the GMC or wherever, it’s not required but I would highly recommend a service where vows are renewed and the fellowship and mission of the church is celebrated together.
Hope that helps. I’m glad to respond to any concerns and will help find answers when I haven’t a clue.
Missions
Global partnerships is a distinctive missional priority of the Global Methodist Church as we recognize and deploy the gifts and contributions of each local church and conference across the world, working as partners in the Gospel with equal voice and leadership. We are intentionally connecting churches from different regions of the world who develop mutually rewarding relationships to share the Gospel and to grow God’s kingdom globally. I recently heard someone share that what is commonly referred to as “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19- 20, Go and make disciples of all nations…) could be called “The Global Commission” as it is a vision and mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ across the planet. Our approach to global partnerships is personal, not institutional. We long to see every church intimately connected to at least one other church elsewhere in the world so that we develop deep personal relationships, learn from followers of Christ in different cultures, and share in one another’s ministries, supporting one another in prayer, and combining the gifts entrusted to us by God.
Pastors
The appointment process as per the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline (see paragraph 510) will be a consultative process between the local church and the Bishop. While bishops still make appointments, consultation is required with the pastors being considered, the Presiding Elder, and the local church leadership. Any concerns brought by the local church must be addressed before assignment of clergy. The intent of the process is to have greater involvement and consultation with the church in the decision-making process. This process will also be freed from a yearly appointment with no guaranteed appointments for clergy. The goal is to have pastors have longer tenures at churches and to give the local church much more responsibility in the assignment of the pastor.
Q: We were formerly part of a two-point charge with the UMC, and the other church has not disaffiliated. Will we be a station church, or will GMC combine multiple charges on a single charge?
A: This decision resides with each local church, although in order to provide the salary and benefits for a pastor, two-point charges may be in the best interest of all. Soon, churches that will need GMC pastors will receive a consultation form on which the church will share their profile, needs, clergy compensation (salary, benefits, housing, etc), and start date. From this information, we will be able to begin conversations with clergy leaders.
Please go to our website section titled “Go Global” > click on Church > there you will also find a Church Consultation form. This form will help us begin the conversation with your designated church contact person and begin the consultation process to answer many if not all of your questions.
Q: If we have a local pastor in mind (former UMC, disaffiliating), would we be able to request him/her?
A: Absolutely, if she/he is a GMC pastor. You probably will be given more than one choice, but we welcome churches to keep their current clergy leaders if they are like minded and plan to eventually join the GMC.
Q: Will GMC send us a pastor after our annual conference – how deep is the GMC pastor pool? We have previously been assigned Elders.
A: It is the goal of the GMC for every pastor to be an Elder or a Deacon. At this time, we are compiling information from across the region about what pastors will need churches and what churches will need pastors, so we cannot determine the number of either clergy or churches. However, we are committed to work with local churches to secure the pastoral leadership they need.
Communication and connections with clergy and congregations are priorities in the GMC. Thus, we are limiting the number of charges supervised by Presiding Elders (DSs) to 15. As churches are added to districts, we will reorganize and establish new districts to maintain this manageable size. All of our PEs in the MidSouth are either retired pastors or pastors serving full-time churches, although some larger conferences are able to support their PEs full-time. With a small number of churches and clergy under their care, our PEs are closely involved with and more aware of each ministry location and ministers appointed.
More specifically to your question….
1. When a pastor is interested in relocating or wishes to be considered by a particular church, he/she shares an updated profile with the PE. That profile is shared with the other PEs who then can recommend that pastor (along with others who wish to be considered) to the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committees of churches seeking the kind of pastoral leadership these pastors can provide.
2. Once the S/PPRC indicate which pastors they would like to consider, the PE follows up with each pastor as to whether he/she would like to engage in the consultation process with that church. When that list is confirmed, the pastor(s) and S/PPRC meet to get acquainted and ask questions of each other. I have developed a guide for this conversation (attached).
3. Following those conversations and a period of prayerful discernment, the PE follows up with the S/PPRC for their thoughts. If they met with more than one pastor, they can offer a list of preferences to the PE. If there is not a consensus about any pastor with whom they met, the consultations continue. If there is a consensus, the PE follows up with the pastor to determine whether he/she wishes to be considered for that appointment.
4. When there is an agreement with the S/PPRC, pastor and PE about the appointment, the PE contacts the Bishop and recommends the clergy to be appointed to that charge. The Bishop has the final authority in all appointments, but also relies heavily upon the decision of the PEs who have been involved in the process with the churches and pastors. These appointments are being made throughout the year, not once/year at annual conference.
I have pastors and Presidents Pro Tempore as well as our Bishops contacting me with names of pastor seeking appointments and churches needed pastors. We are not bound by Conference lines as we assist each other in connecting pastors and congregations.
The Global Methodist Church is clear and unambiguous in its doctrine and unity around the authority of Scripture, the classical confessions of the Christian faith as articulated in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, and in the historic Christian ethical standards that derive from them. Clergy and laity at every level will be expected to warmly embrace these hallmarks of the faith. For the sake of its mission and the unity of the church, it is crucial that its leaders will be responsible for holding one another, its clergy, and its laity accountable to them.
The Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline (Part 8) provides extensive means of accountability at all levels. For example, there are no guaranteed appointments for clergy by the annual conference, so local churches will have more responsibility and authority in collaborating with their pastors on doctrinal matters. Tenure for Bishops will be eight years, although an additional four years may be allowed as an exception. The TBODD includes very specific accountability mechanisms for holding Bishops accountable to not only one another, but more specifically to the laity while serving the episcopal office.