LeValley and Berlin Center Churches became Global Methodist Churches as of January, 2024. The mission statement of our new Wesleyan denomination reads “The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.”
Greg and I will be attending the Great Lakes Global Methodist Conference at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan from June 11th through the 13th. I encourage other church members to attend, as well. The Levalley Administrative board in May approved payment of the registration fee and meals for anyone in leadership who is interested in participating. If someone from Berlin Center would like to attend and would like help with payment, let me know. Arrangements will be made.
The theme of the Conference is EQUIP. Experience the praise and worship, spiritual encouragement, important information, relational connection, and excitement of a continued fresh chapter in the Jesus Mission! Come get EQUIPPED!
The description in the previous paragraph is a concise synopsis of what will occur at Conference, but if you would like more details, go to https://www.greatlakesgmc.org/annual-conference-update-reports-and-legislation-now-available and/or https://www.greatlakesgmc.org.
The strategic plan is going to be up for approval at the Conference. Below is a brief overview of the plan, which also provides a clear representation of who we are and where we are headed as Global Methodists.
The Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) of the Global Methodist Church is pleased to announce the successful completion of its strategic planning process, with the final strategic plan now ready for conference-wide communication and affirmation at the upcoming annual conference session. The implementation phase will span over the next 2-3 years.
Under the theme “Forming for the Future,” inspired by Isaiah 64:8 (NLT): "And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand," the strategic plan provides a comprehensive framework for the conference's continued formation in the coming years.
“What began as a conference-wide conversation has transformed into a clear, Spirit-led roadmap for our future,” says Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison, GLAC Conference Superintendent. “The strategic plan reflects the collective wisdom and faithful insights of our conference community. We are confident the Holy Spirit has guided this process and that the resulting plan will serve as a powerful tool for advancing God’s mission for our conference in the years to come.”
“The level of consistency in the feedback we received was remarkable,” notes Rev. Tyler Best, GLAC Director of Operations. “Certain priorities and values clearly resonated throughout our conference, giving us confidence that this plan truly represents a collective vision and not just the perspectives of a small group.”
The completed plan is structured around five strategic areas, each with five broad goals:
1. Cultural Formation: Continuing development of a distinctive, Spirit-led Wesleyan identity and culture
2. Discipleship Formation: Equipping faithful disciples who grow in their faith journey and make other disciples
3. Leadership Formation: Identifying, equipping, and empowering leaders at all levels
4. Local Church Formation: Strengthening existing churches and planting new ones
5. Missional Formation: Facilitating the Great Commission in neighborhoods and nations
“This isn't just a document that will sit on a shelf,” emphasizes Rev. Kara Bussabarger, task team member. “Our approach empowers those championing each goal to invest in the process by having ownership of the tactical steps and timelines for moving forward.”
Implementation of the strategy will involve working alongside various teams, groups, and committees from the GLAC to articulate tactical objectives for each goal. Each objective will include clear metrics for success, responsible parties, resource requirements, and realistic timelines to ensure accountability and progress tracking.
“By empowering our teams and committees to develop specific objectives, we create broader buy-in, leverage diverse expertise, and establish a culture of shared ownership in our strategic direction,” adds Jill Davis, strategic planning team lay member. “This ensures that we do not create a top-down plan from the Conference leadership to local churches, and that both clergy and laity who are gifted and passionate in these areas can contribute in developing the next steps to bring this vision to life.”
We invite all conference members to review the plan with open hearts and bold imagination, coming to the annual conference session ready to pray, dream, find your place, and step into this vision together - because it’s not just a plan, it’s our future. We want to bring it to life together. Those with questions about the strategic plan or implementation process may contact Rev. Tyler Best at tyler.best@greatlakesgmc.org.
A reminder for all of us; we are still Methodists and followers of John Wesley. The difference is that the Global Methodist Church is maintaining the traditional theology of Wesley, rather than pursuing the contemporary, cultural theology endorsed by the United Methodist Church.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Nancy
