Being connectional is at the very root of what it means to be Methodist. This word takes many different forms throughout the Global Methodist Church - it shapes our polity, it influences our structure of discipleship, and it is the foundation of our theological beliefs. While all these things are vital to connection within the Global Methodist Church, at its core, connectionalism is the understanding of the significance of relationship.

This value of being connectional originated with Methodism’s founder, John Wesley. For Wesley, to be a Christian was to be in connection. In the preface of Wesley’s Hymns and Sacred Poems he writes, “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness.” In this statement, Wesley accentuates the importance of connection within the community of believers. Wesley’s entire discipleship structure of Societies, Classes, and Bands was developed because he believed that our faith is strengthened when we support and empower one another. Wesley believed that living a holy life meant intimacy and accountability with other Christ followers. We should not only gather for worship, but pray and study Scripture together, confess our sins to one another, and examine each other’s heart motives to truly grow in Christlikeness.

When this is done within our congregations, the local church grows stronger. But when this social holiness and connection expands beyond the local church, we are participants in the Missio Dei - God’s work for the redemption of the world.

This connection is extremely important to Mt. Horeb, and we strive to be a part of God’s greater mission in the world through the Church.

When Mt. Horeb was going through the discernment process of whether or not to separate from The United Methodist Church, there were lots of questions from our congregation regarding our affiliation with another denomination. While we had the resources and ability to be an “independent” church, our church leadership thought it was vital to be a part of another denomination. Why? Because being in connection with other churches was at the core of who we are. We not only wanted but we needed the accountability, intimacy, support, empowerment and encouragement from other like-minded churches. To truly live out our church’s mission of “making, maturing and mobilizing disciples who magnify Jesus Christ,” we needed to be a part of a greater connection.

At Mt. Horeb, one of our core values is that we are “Better Together.” This value is based on Acts 2:42-47 where Luke writes about the connection of the early church. These believers Luke writes about in Acts were dedicated to Jesus’ teachings, spending time in fellowship, and praying together. They had vulnerable and honest conversations and took care of those in need. And at the heart of it all, they praised God. The early church was connected in teaching, prayer, and ministry and Luke declares that “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). By being in community centered on God, the Holy Spirit was working, and the Church grew.

Since joining The Global Methodist Church, there is a new excitement within our walls about what God is doing not only at Mt. Horeb, but beyond our walls. This past August, we had the great honor of hosting the Behold conference where dozens of GMC clergy and laity in South Carolina came together for the first time. We had encouraging and informative times of education and had our first ever GMC ordination service in South Carolina. But the most exciting part was experiencing first-hand the power of The Holy Spirit moving, renewing, and reviving the Church through worship and fellowship with other believers. We hope to be able to continue to host powerful gatherings such as these.

Additionally, many of our pastors, staff, and lay people at Mt. Horeb are already significantly involved with The GMC in different capacities - serving on committees, coming alongside other like-minded churches in South Carolina as we embrace this new movement within the Methodist denomination, and dreaming about future GMC church plants in South Carolina and beyond. We are also deeply involved with local and global mission partners that are already being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world and share in the anticipation of revival through this movement of the Holy Spirit. We are dedicated to echoing the authentic connection of the early church in Acts 2 by coming together with other churches and ministries to be a part of God’s calling for the Church.

We have only been a part of The Global Methodist Church since July, but it is already inspiring to learn and glean from one another about how we can use our gifts to further the Kingdom of God together. We are excited to continue to embrace our connectional Methodist roots and participate in God’s mission in the world. We know that we truly are “Better Together.”