WHY JOIN AND WHY NOW?
The Global Methodist Church of South Carolina is commitment to a vibrant Christian faith that is rooted in historical orthodoxy, empowered by the Holy Spirit, grounded in Scripture, and focused on living out the holiness and discipleship that John Wesley emphasized. (Let us not forget that Wesley himself laid the groundwork for the Methodist movement right here in the Province of South Carolina.) Additionally, the GMC governance model and commitment to doctrinal integrity offer a distinctive approach to church life and leadership that may appeal to those looking for a connectional church that is both orthodox in belief and effective in mission.
WESLEYAN HERITAGE | TRADITIONAL THEOLOGY
Rooted in Historical Creeds and Wesleyan Tradition: The Global Methodist Church is deeply committed to historical Christian creeds and the Wesleyan tradition, providing a stable and orthodox framework for faith and practice.
It upholds the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Definition of Chalcedon as its doctrinal foundation, alongside the Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church and the Confession of Faith.
This commitment ensures that members are part of a church that values historical continuity and theological orthodoxy, offering a sense of belonging to the Methodist church in the modern age.
The GMC affirms the primary authority of Scripture for faith, morals, and service. It is committed to a faith that is deeply rooted in the Bible, ensuring that its teachings and practices are aligned with God's Word. This provides a solid foundation for believers who seek to ground their lives in biblical truth.
EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Global Methodist Church emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers and the church as a whole. It believes in being guided, shaped, and transformed by the Holy Spirit to embody the character of Jesus, fostering a dynamic and living faith that impacts all areas of life. This empowers individuals and communities to live out their faith in meaningful and transformative ways.
The GMC is committed to the Wesleyan emphasis on personal and social holiness, advocating for a life of sanctification and discipleship. It values the transformation of believers into the likeness of Christ through God’s grace, which encompasses prevenient, justifying, sanctifying, and glorifying grace. This focus encourages members to grow in their faith and live out the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives.
GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY
The Global Methodist Church has set term limits for its bishops, aiming for a more accountable and dynamic leadership structure. This approach allows for fresh leadership perspectives and prevents stagnation, making the church more responsive to the needs of its congregations and the wider community.
Additionally, the GMC has a provision for the involuntary removal of clergy and congregations that do not adhere to its doctrinal standards, emphasizing the importance of maintaining doctrinal integrity across the denomination.
LOCAL OWNERSHIP | FINANCIAL SAVINGS
The absence of the trust clause in the Global Methodist Church's organizational structure allows local congregations full ownership of their property and assets. This approach gives congregations greater autonomy and flexibility, potentially making it easier for them to make decisions about their property and financial resources without the oversight or intervention of a higher church authority. This can be beneficial for congregations that wish to manage their resources in a way that best fits their local ministry needs and goals.
Connectional giving is currently at 4% of a congregation’s previous year’s adjusted operating income. Each church is required to send 1% to the General Church and 3% to the GMC of SC. This represents a reduction in cost compared to previous apportionment funding schedules.
Practically speaking, it is far more cost effective and efficient to update bylaws, business banking, signage, and other materials to reflect the new church name and branding, once; following disaffiliation. Making iterative changes to the organization takes away valuable time, financial resources, and energy from local church ministries.
NEW CHURCH PLANTS
The Global Methodist Church actively engages in planting new churches as a core strategy to spread scriptural holiness, embodying its commitment to revitalizing and expanding the Wesleyan tradition of taking the Gospel “into the streets.”
Here at home in South Carolina, and across the world, this initiative is a reflection of its mission to be a truly global movement, aiming to reach diverse communities with the transformative message of the Gospel no matter age, race, or geography. Through these efforts, the GMC seeks to create vibrant, faith-filled communities that uphold the principles of Methodist theology and practice.