The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
At the heart of the Global Methodist Church is a deep desire to surrender fully to the one true God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—and to live out a passionate devotion to what matters most to Him.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we envision a worldwide movement of disciples who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly. Jesus calls us to love God wholeheartedly and our neighbors as ourselves, and we strive to embody His extravagant love in all we do.
We are entrusted with a lifesaving, transforming message and are committed to sharing the whole counsel of God with all peoples—boldly, fearlessly, and with unwavering faith.
Rooted in Scripture and led by the Spirit, we seek to advance God’s Kingdom in every culture and community. As a global church, we value the gifts of every member, walking together in mutual love, humility, and service—especially toward the vulnerable—as we partner in God’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and transform the world.
Toccoa First Methodist is part of the Global Methodist Church.
Global Methodist Church Elects Its First Full-Time Assembly of Bishops
For the first time, the Church has elected a regular, full-time Assembly of Bishops to serve six-year terms. Under the theme "the Beauty of Holiness," the Global Methodist Church reconvened for the Wednesday afternoon plenary of the 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. Delegates turned to one of the weightiest tasks entrusted to a gathered Church: electing those who would serve as its bishops. What began in worship and prayer moved, in the fullness of the deliberative work, to the sacred act of discernment by which the body chose the general superintendents who will lead the denomination into its next season.
ELECTION RESULTS
Episcopal Area 1
Tanzania; Covenant Philippines; India; Mega Manila Philippines; Panama; Mississippi-West Tennessee; Trinity
Bishop Luther Oconer
Episcopal Area 2
Bulgaria; Mexico; MidTexas; Northeast; Afrika Mashariki; Korean-American
Bishop Jonathan Lee
Episcopal Area 5
Ethiopia Nazrawiyan; Great Lakes; Virginia; Southern Nigeria; Oasis; Grain Coast
Bishop Jerry Kulah
Episcopal Area 6
Central African Republic; Central Russia; East Russia-Central Asia; Northwest Russia-Belarus; South Russia; Democratic Republic of Congo
Bishop Eduard Khegay
Episcopal Area 3
Central Nigeria; South Carolina; Peru; Upper Midwest; Florida; South Africa
Bishop Mark Webb
Episcopal Area 7
Venezuela; South Georgia; North Georgia; Central Europe; Zambia; Northern Nigeria; Alabama Emerald Coast
Bishop Paul Lawler
Recognizing the vital importance of Nigeria within the Global Methodist Church and the unique dynamics of ministry across the country, the denomination is pleased to announce that Bishop John Pena Auta will begin serving as Coordinator for the Global Methodist Church of Nigeria, effective November 1, 2026.
With support of the four active and newly appointed bishops that will serve Nigeria annual conferences, Bishop Jones announced the appointment during a meeting with delegates from Nigeria during the 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg.
As Coordinator, Bishop Auta will work closely with the four bishops providing episcopal leadership to Nigeria and will report directly to them. His work will focus on strengthening communication, facilitating collaboration, and helping connect annual conferences and local churches with the resources needed to support their ministries.
Episcopal Area 4
North Alabama; Thailand; MidSouth; West Plains; Western Pacific; Northeast Nigeria
Bishop Lyndol Loyd
Episcopal Area 8
Allegheny West; North Carolina; Uganda; Kenya; Malawi; Zimbabwe; Heartland
Bishop Carolyn Moore