Methodist churches are divided into regional conferences, each with its own governing body. These conferences work together to create policy and programs for the entire Methodist denomination. The Global Methodist Church is a separate, newer denomination that officially launched on May 1, 2022, when theologically conservative pastors and congregations left the United Methodist Church (UMC) (Christianity Today, April 2022). See here for more great tips.
Definition of Methodism
Methodism is a Christian faith and practice that emphasizes the need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to be saved. Methodist churches are also known as “local churches.” View this external resource for great tips and advice.
Definition of the Global Methodist Church
The Global Methodist Church (GMC) is a Methodist denomination formed in 2022 by congregations that left the United Methodist Church, chiefly over disagreement about ordaining LGBTQ clergy and performing same-sex marriages (Christianity Today, April 2022). It kept most of the UMC’s historic Wesleyan doctrine largely unchanged and, as of 2025, counts more than 7,000 member congregations, most of them in the United States (Christian Post).
History of Methodism
Methodism is a Christian faith with a history dating back to the 18th century.
Origins of Methodism
Methodism began in 18th-century England under John Wesley.
Expansion of Methodism
Methodism is a worldwide religious movement that began in the 18th century in England. There are many different types of Methodists, but all share a common belief in the power of prayer and the need for repentance.
Differences between Methodist and Global Methodist
Methodist (UMC) churches and Global Methodist (GMC) churches share the same Wesleyan roots but split in 2022 mainly over LGBTQ ordination and marriage. The GMC kept the UMC’s traditional restrictions on both. The UMC’s 2024 General Conference voted to remove those restrictions, allowing regional and local option on ordaining LGBTQ clergy and performing same-sex marriages (NPR, May 2024).
Theological Differences
Both bodies share the same core Wesleyan doctrine on salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The main disagreement between them is not a difference in core doctrine but in church teaching and policy on human sexuality, ordination, and marriage, as described above.
Structural Differences
Methodist churches are divided into regional conferences, each with its own governing body. These conferences are divided into districts, each with its own governing body. There are also national conferences, which are the highest governing body of the Methodist Church.
The Global Methodist Church launched on May 1, 2022, after conservative Methodist leaders and congregations chose to leave the United Methodist Church. As of 2025, it has grown to more than 7,000 member congregations, most of them in the United States (Christian Post).
Methodist churches are united by a common doctrine and practice, but there is no single global Methodist denomination. Each local Methodist church is autonomous and operates under its own governing structure. Methodist churches are also known for their social activism, which has helped to improve the lives of many people around the world.
Summary of the Differences between Methodist and Global Methodist
The United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church share the same Wesleyan heritage, doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and connectional structure of regional conferences. The chief difference is church policy on ordaining LGBTQ clergy and performing same-sex marriages: the GMC retains the UMC’s older restrictions, while the UMC voted in 2024 to remove them (NPR, May 2024).