Great Joy Marks First Day of Global Methodist Church’s Convening General Conference
The first day of the historic convening General Conference of the Global Methodist Church in San Jose, Costa Rica, marked a pivotal moment as the denomination began the process of making permanent what has been provisional during a season of transition.
With great hope for a shared future, over 300 delegates, plus hundreds of other volunteers and observers from around the world, gathered to establish foundational structures and adopt key documents that will shape the GM Church’s future.
As participants gathered in the Costa Rica Convention Center’s lobby, they were overwhelmed with emotion by the long-anticipated event. People erupted in spontaneous singing, prayers, and shouts of praise before entering the auditorium.
“Over the past few years, we all sensed we were building a truly Global Methodist Church,” said Simon Mafunda, the GM Church’s Africa Director. “When we all saw each other face to face and had the opportunity to embrace one another in person, it was a moment of intense joy. Praise and thanksgiving just freely poured out of us!”
Once delegates and observers settled into their seats, the Rev. Keith Boyette, the GM Church’s Transitional Connectional Officer, formally welcomed them to the Conference. Boyette, who has been serving as the GM Church’s senior executive and administrative officer since June 2022, will step down from his role at the adjournment of the convening General Conference.
The morning continued with inspiring opening worship and a joint episcopal address delivered by GM Church Bishops Scott Jones, JohnWesley Yohanna, and Mark Webb. In his portion of the address, Webb captured the heart of the nascent movement, stating, “When we are committed to the lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of scripture in every area of our life, we will live out an orthodox Christian faith in a Methodist way that will change us, and God will use us to change the world!”
After worship, GM Church Bishop Emeritus Robert Hayes officially opened the conference’s first plenary session. Costa Rican Congressman Fabricio Alvarado was later introduced to the body. He greeted the delegates and noted with pride his country’s role in hosting the Church’s convening General Conference.
As the session continued, highlights included the following:
A Concert of Prayer was observed centering around the Conference theme, “So the World Will Know.” Prayers and songs led by Global Methodists from around the world in multiple languages created a tapestry of worship spanning cultures and continents. The assembly prayed fervently for unity, revival, and a commitment to the new denomination’s mission.
“The Concert of Prayer was a powerful time for everyone in the auditorium,” said Boyette. “I am so thankful for the Conference Prayer Team for that very special time, and also for the tens of thousands of Global Methodists who have been praying fervently over the past forty days leading up to the Conference. We are desperately in need of prayer, and everyone involved in the gathering has been empowered by those still interceding for us.”
Bishops Jones and Webb, who, since January 2023, have served as the denomination’s active episcopal leaders during its transitional period, were formally elected by the delegates, 317 to one.
“Bishop Webb and I have had the privilege of traveling around the world, meeting Global Methodists, and forming annual conferences in Africa, Europe, the Philippines, and the United States,” said Jones. “The delegates have done us a great honor electing us to our episcopal roles. The GM Church is a Holy Spirit-inspired movement, and we are committed to follow wherever he leads.”
The body also elected the Rev. Thomas Lambrecht General Conference Secretary and the Rev. Lamar Oliver Assistant Secretary. Both have been serving in an interim capacity prior to the convening Conference.
Delegates also adopted the “Plan of Organization and Covenant for Our Life Together,” setting forth the conference's operational guidelines, including the adoption of a limited agenda for the denomination’s first Conference. Petitions outside the 2024 gathering will be addressed when the General Conference reconvenes in 2026, ensuring a continued opportunity for important matters to be considered in the years ahead. It is widely believed that after the 2026 gathering, General Conferences will then be held every six years.
The delegates also approved the Global Methodist Church’s Book of Doctrines and Discipline, but as Lambrecht stressed, “Today’s adoption of the Book of Doctrines and Discipline is not an end, but just the beginning.” In the coming days, the delegates will amend the Church’s governing document, and of course, future General Conferences will refine it as deemed necessary.
The first plenary session concluded with the adoption of the Costa Rica Covenant, a significant agreement between the GM Church and the Iglesia Evangélica Metodista de Costa Rica. The covenant highlights a commitment to collaborative ministry and shared mission between the two denominations. The covenant was signed by Bishop Luis Palamo, on behalf of theIglesia Evangélica Metodista de Costa Rica, and Bishop Scott Jones, on behalf of the GM Church.
Later, delegates, guests, and observers visited the Colegio Metodista de Costa Rica, where they were warmly received by students and staff. Worship was held in the school gym where the Rev. Carolyn Moore of the North Georgia Conference delivered a sermon challenging the Church to listen closely to the Holy Spirit while hearts and minds are “flexible and moldable.”
As the first day drew to a close, delegates departed with are newed sense of purpose and hope. The actions taken—rooted in prayer, thoughtful deliberation, and shared vision—signified more than just procedural accomplishments; they represented a collective commitment to Jesus Christ and the Church. This convening General Conference will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in the life of the GM Church, setting the stage for continued growth, mission, and faithfulness.