This….. earnestly believed, clearly articulated, demonstrably practiced, generously shared…. is what I came to expect from, longed for and sought in the Wesleyan tradition of Christian practice to which I came as an adult in 1972 and which I found among some who understood and who held then and hold still now, wherever they choose to worship. CBB Dec ‘25
Thank you, Bishop Carolyn Moore for sharing!
What makes a Global Methodist a Global Methodist? Kevin Butler nails it:
A Global Methodist isn’t defined by branding or structure. It’s defined by identity a shared theological DNA and a lived commitment to a particular way of being the Church. At its core, a Global Methodist is shaped by four pillars:
- Unashamed Confidence in the Authority of Scripture
Global Methodists hold that the Bible is the primary, final, and sufficient rule of faith and practice.
Not one voice among many, the voice.
This means:
- Doctrine flows from Scripture, not culture
- Moral teaching is rooted in biblical revelation
- Preaching is expository, Christ-centered, and transformative
- Obedience is expected, not optional
This is the foundation of the GMC’s entire identity.
- A Wesleyan Commitment to Holiness of Heart and Life
Global Methodists don’t just believe the gospel, they expect it to change people.
This includes:
- New birth and assurance of salvation
- Sanctification as a real, ongoing work of the Spirit
- Accountability bands and class meetings
- A life marked by love, purity, and mission
Holiness isn’t an abstract doctrine. It’s daily decisions, community habits, and Spirit-empowered transformation.
- A Christ-Centered, Mission-Driven Church
The “Global” in Global Methodist isn’t about geography. It’s about purpose.
Global Methodists believe:
- The Church exists to make disciples of Jesus
- Evangelism is essential, not optional
- The gospel is for every nation, culture, and people
- The church must be lean, nimble, and mobilized
This is why the GMC emphasizes:
- Multiplying churches
- Deploying clergy quickly
- Empowering laity
- Global partnerships
It’s a movement, not a bureaucracy.
- A Covenant Community of Accountable Disciples
This is where the Wesleyan DNA shines brightest.
Global Methodists commit to:
- Shared doctrine
- Shared discipline
- Shared mission
- Shared accountability
Not “do whatever works for you,” but “we walk this road together.”
This includes:
- A clear, historic confession of faith
- A covenantal clergy system
- A disciplined, connectional structure
- Mutual submission for the sake of holiness
It’s the difference between a crowd and a community.
In One Sentence
A Global Methodist is someone who lives under the authority of Scripture, pursues holiness through the Spirit, participates in a global mission to make disciples, and commits to accountable Christian community in the Wesleyan tradition.
That’s definitely a great question and this is my short answer!
Yours in Christ,
Kevin