DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION

Global Methodist Church | Independent Methodist Church

AFFILIATION DISCERNMENT COMPARISON CHART

Except for the Global Methodist Church, the top five largest Methodist denominations in the United States require some form of the trust clause, which requires their denomination to own church buildings and property. Following disaffiliation, your church will take complete ownership of its property and assets. Remaining independent offers relief from the trust clause. It also creates a model of 100% self-support for governance, accountability, ministry connection and future clergy development. Are you equipped for an extended season of self-leadership?

This is a defining moment in the life of your church. Here is an overview of key differences to help your discernment leadership team make the best decision for your congregation.

  • Global Methodist Church

    • Traditional Wesleyan Theology
    • Apostle’s Creed / Nicene Creed
    • Wesley’s Articles of Religion + Sermons
    • Transitional Book of Doctrine & Discipline**
    • New, GMC-Specific Catechism
    **GMC Transitional Book of Doctrine and Discipline (globalmethodist.org/what-we-believe)

    Independent Methodist

    • Determined by Each Congregation / Pastor
    • Each Congregation Solely Responsible for Knowing & Defending Their Theology
    • No External Protections / Guarantee That the Congregation Will Stay Theologically Methodist

  • Global Methodist Church

    • Full Ownership of Property & Assets
    • 4% Connectional Funding*
    • Governance According to GMC Discipline (Trustees, Ad Board, PPRC, Finance)
    • Formal System for Clergy Education, Credentialing & Ordination
    • Flexible Clergy Appointment System • Clergy Benefits & Pension Through Guidestone

    *AKA: "apportionments." Current rate is 3% of last year's adjusted operating income to GMC of SC + 1% of last year's operating income to the General GMC Church.

    Independent Methodist

    • Full Ownership of Property
    • No Connectional Funding, No Benefit From Connection Ministries; No participation in Larger Connection Missions / Ministries
    • Must Recruit Own Clergy; Local Church Solely Responsible for Vetting Candidates, Determining Fitness for Ministry and Theological Stance
    • Solely Responsible for Filling Vacancies and Resolving Conflicts
    • No Outside Support in Crisis

  • Global Methodist Church

    • Emphasis on Growing Disciples of Jesus
    • Return to Wesleyan practices of Class Meetings, Discipleship Bands, Spiritual Formation
    • Engagement & Leadership Development of NextGen, Church Planters, and Future Clergy; Robust Children's Programming

    Independent Methodist

    • Determined by Each Congregation's Laity and Hired Pastor
    • No Accountability / Support in Mission and Ministry of Local Church

  • Global Methodist Church

    • Global Clergy & Congregational Connection
    • Approx. 4,500 Churches | 4,800 Clergy
    • Robust Accountability System (TBDD)**
    • Term Limits for Bishops
    • No Guaranteed Appointments for Clergy

    **GMC Transitional Book of Doctrine and Discipline (globalmethodist.org/what-we-believe)

    Independent Methodist

    • Locally Formed Ministry Partnerships • Informal, Ad Hoc Connections
    • 100% Self-Oversight / Accountability • No Guaranteed Appointments for Clergy

  • Global Methodist Church

    • Local, Regional, Global Partnerships for Church Planting, Discipleship Development, Missions Outreach & Raising Up NextGen Leaders

    Independent Methodist

    • Single-Church, Local Focus
    • Unique to Pastor and Lay Leadership Priorities
    • Limited by Local Church Resources