The Wesleyan Covenant Association of MO
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
To connect with the REVIVE Initiative click on the graphic above.
For congregations that already have disaffiliated, here you will find recordings of topics of discussion by our newly developed consultancy team, and listed resources covering everything from biblical authority and Wesleyan tradition, to prayer support; to congregational health, to financing a new church start, to legal issues with incorporation, to developing a new format and rhythm of worship, to sexuality matters, and missional focus, hosted by WCA Coordinator of Congregational Resources, Rev. Jan Dillard.
For congregations in the USA that want an in-person or video consultation to gather information and consider options for a faithful and fruitful future, our WCA regional coordinators are available to connect with you. Contact us at jdillard@wesleyancovenant.org or sfield@wesleyancovenant.org so we can connect you with someone in your region.
Planting the Global Methodist Church in Missouri
The Rev. Dr. Scott N. Field, President of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, has written:
"Bishop Bickerton is right…it’s time to pivot."
We agree...
Rev. Dr. Fields goes further: "It’s only the beginning of planting season for the Global Methodist Church here."
Where are these congregations and new initiatives coming from? Where are you in the journey?
There are three primary ways these new congregations are launching.
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Disaffiliations
In Missouri as in other areas, many UM congregations have severed ties with the UM Conference, and are becoming Global Methodist congregations in their existing communities and most often in the same building / facilities that have housed their ministries for decades. They will be, after all the disaffiliation paperwork and financial requirements have been met, part of the mission and ministry of the Heartland Provisional Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church. They will partner in ministry with the GMC Churches of Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas Colorado.
Re-missioning
Some of the congregations that have attempted to disaffiliate have fragmented into at least three groups. One group has left the local UM congregation to launch a new Global Methodist Church. Another group remains in the UMC. A third group is comprised of those who are simply walking away. If this is the case for your church family, you will need a new plan for worship. These decisions are difficult and we recognize that many of you are exhausted and emotionally and spiritually drained. Even though paragraph 2553 is officially over, there may be a process being developed to allow for further separations which will be presented to the 2025 Annual Conference Sessions provided, for the most part, that all the paperwork is in by the end of 2024. If this is of interest to your congregation, check with your District Superintendent. In July, The WCA newsletter, Outlook will include the listing of annual conferences publicly extending a continuing exit path. This seems the commonsense approach that allows congregations to land where they want to land. We are grateful for the gracious option.
Okay. What now?
Here are three suggestions for you:
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Connect with others in a similar situation. You may not know who they are, but you can find some of them by contacting the Wesleyan Covenant Association. Go to missouriwca@gmail.com to leave a message. Let us know what you’re thinking. We can likely help you get connected.
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Go to our newly developing landing page, Revive! Our consultancy video series is adding new episodes most every week with resources that may fit your situation.
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Now the most challenging suggestion of all: Pray.
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Planning New Starts
The culture of the Heartland Annual Conference embraces planting churches that plant churches that plant churches; we seek to help develop disciples of Christ who develop disciples of Christ who develop disciples of Christ. Through available processes such as the Nehemiah Journey, The River Network, "Housefires" and more, the Global Methodist Church is mobile, nimble, and creative. We believe that you have a call upon your life to serve Christ and to bring others to Him. How can we help? Start here, here and here. We have listed multiple resources for you tor you to use regarding how to meet for worship under new and exciting circumstances, and we're here to help. It's not as daunting as you might think. Follow the links and check it out!
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Are You Displaced From Your Methodist Roots?
Perhaps you have a lifelong history of Methodism, memories, deep personal connections, and deep Wesleyan roots nurtured in the past by the United Methodist denomination that you truly feel is just...well...gone. The United Methodist denomination that raised you has officially abandoned the traditional theology that raised you, leaving you wondering what to do; where and how to connect to a new congregation that seeks to worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly. Maybe you sense a new season of the Holy Spirit’s calling within you. Perhaps you want to be part of something more than “church as usual.” You recognize that matters of eternal importance hang in the balance, and you don’t want to be left sitting on the sidelines.
If that seems like it might describe you, here are a few ways to fan those spiritual embers into flame: YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
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Become familiar with the Global Methodist Church page for answers to frequently asked questions; mission and vision statements; information about Global ministries; directives for church planting; church and clergy sign-ups; and to find a church in your area, and more.
​ 2. Get to know your brothers and sisters in Christ in the Heartland Conference of the GMC. Learn how to join, participate and support the Heartland Churches of the Global Methodist Church. If you need help to make those connections in your area, connect here: or contact us at missouriwca@gmail.com; ​
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3. If you are a clergy person seeking to serve in the GMC: Find the link here.